Amit Shah says delimitation will benefit southern states; opposition flags federalism concerns

He presented data claiming that all southern states will gain seats after the proposed exercise.

According to Shah, under the planned expansion of the Lok Sabha, Tamil Nadu would gain 20 seats, Kerala 10, Telangana 9 and Andhra Pradesh 13.

He also said Maharashtra would gain 24 seats. Overall, he stated, the five southern states together would see their seats rise from 129 to 195.

Opposition alleges political advantage, federal concerns

The Opposition, however, strongly opposed the Constitution amendment bills, arguing that linking women’s reservation with delimitation is an “opportunistic” move aimed at reshaping parliamentary representation ahead of the 2029 elections.

They accused the government of attempting to “gerrymander” constituencies to its advantage.

Opposition leaders also argued that a population-based delimitation using 2011 census data could reduce the relative political weight of southern states, undermining federal principles and shifting influence towards the Hindi heartland.

Govt defends formula, says women’s quota will be fully implemented

Shah also explained the arithmetic behind the proposed expansion, saying the Lok Sabha strength would increase by about 50 per cent to accommodate the women’s reservation.

He said this would ensure that women can contest across all seats even after the reservation is applied.

The government maintained that the delimitation process will follow existing constitutional provisions and will not affect ongoing elections.

However, the Opposition insisted it would support the women’s reservation bill only if it were delinked from delimitation.