India, Aug. 23 -- Delimitation could reshape Parliament's federal equation as states gain or lose relative political weight.

There now appears to be a strong possibility that the Narendra Modi government will be able to pass, in an upcoming session, the constitutional amendment providing for 33 per cent representation of women in Parliament and increasing the strength of the Lok Sabha to around 816 members or more. Despite opposition from the Congress and its allies, support from regional parties appears likely. But will this ensure that more educated, honest and socially engaged women, as well as members with clean records and no serious criminal charges, are able to enter Parliament through elections?

A well-educated spokesperson from...