New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has announced a significant expansion in parliamentary representation for southern states, revealing that Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka are set to gain additional seats under the proposed delimitation exercise.
Addressing the Lok Sabha amid an intense political debate over the redistribution of constituencies, Shah dismissed concerns that southern states would lose influence in national politics. Instead, he asserted that the new framework would strengthen their representation in Parliament.
According to the figures presented, Kerala’s Lok Sabha seats are expected to rise from 20 to 30, while Tamil Nadu’s representation will increase from 39 to 59 seats. Karnataka, currently holding 28 seats, is projected to expand to 42 seats.
Shah emphasized that the broader plan is part of a nationwide restructuring that could increase the total strength of the Lok Sabha to over 800 seats. The move is linked to the long-pending delimitation process, which adjusts constituencies based on population changes and demographic realities.
Rejecting criticism from opposition parties, Shah described fears of southern states losing political weight as “misleading narratives.” He clarified that, collectively, the five southern states would see their total representation rise substantially from 129 seats at present to around 195 seats after the exercise.
The Home Minister also underlined that the delimitation process will follow existing legal provisions without any alteration, assuring Parliament that no region would be unfairly treated. He reiterated that the increase in seats would enhance both representation and political influence for the South rather than diminish it.
The announcement comes in the backdrop of broader legislative discussions, including the implementation of women’s reservation in Parliament, which is expected to take effect after the next delimitation cycle.
The proposed seat expansion has triggered political reactions across southern states, where concerns had been raised about population-based redistribution potentially favouring northern regions. However, the government’s latest clarification seeks to position the exercise as a balanced reform aimed at strengthening democratic representation across India.