Political demography, the future of democracy

The article delves into 'political demography,' examining how shifts in population patterns—births, deaths, migration, and ageing—influence political power, government policies, and societal dynamics, particularly in India. It highlights the urgency of uneven demographic trends across regions and communities, especially in the context of the impending delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies after the 2026 Census. The piece discusses pronatalist sentiments, the decline in India's Total Fertility Rate below replacement level (as per NFHS-5 data), internal migration, and the challenges posed by regional demographic disparities (e.g., ageing southern states versus younger northern states) for federalism, resource allocation, and political representation. It advocates for a nuanced approach to managing demographic shifts rather than politicizing them.