P. Chidambaram Critiques Proposed Increase in Lok Sabha Seats

P. Chidambaram, a prominent Congress leader, has raised significant concerns regarding the proposed 50% increase in Lok Sabha seats, calling it misleading and questioning the fairness of the redistricting process. He highlighted the potential impact on opposition MPs due to upcoming elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. While supporting women's reservation, he criticized the government's haste in addressing the Nari Shakti Vandan Act. The proposed changes aim to increase the number of Lok Sabha seats to 850, with implications for the upcoming 2024 elections. Chidambaram's remarks underscore the ongoing political tensions surrounding these legislative moves.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 15, 2026, 16:54 IST

Concerns Over Fair Redistricting Process

On Wednesday, P. Chidambaram, a Congress MP and former Union Minister, expressed his concerns regarding the proposed 50% increase in Lok Sabha seats, labeling it as misleading. Speaking at a press conference in Coimbatore, he raised objections to the timing of a three-day parliamentary session aimed at amending the Nari Shakti Vandan Act and increasing the number of Lok Sabha seats to 850. He pointed out that many opposition MPs would be unable to attend Parliament due to elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.

Opposition to Hasty Legislative Actions

Chidambaram criticized the BJP government for planning to convene Parliament to pass the redistricting bill without opposition participation. He noted that if Parliament were to meet tomorrow, there would be insufficient time to review the bill's provisions. While he clarified that the opposition is not against redistricting, he insisted on the need for a fair process. He expressed concern that the government is attempting to create a situation where opposition MPs from states holding elections cannot participate by calling Parliament on April 16 to pass this bill.

Support for Women's Reservation

The senior Congress leader emphasized that both Congress and the India Bloc do not oppose the Nari Shakti Vandan Act, 2023, but questioned the urgency of its implementation. He reiterated the party's support for women's reservation, highlighting that it was an initiative of the Congress party. The India coalition had backed the reservation bill in 2023, proposing that one-third of the 543 parliamentary seats should be reserved for women in the upcoming 2024 elections. However, he criticized the government for suddenly raising this issue after a long period of inaction. Durai Vaiko, a leader from MDMK, also questioned the timing of the redistricting, noting its coincidence with the Tamil Nadu assembly elections.

Details of the Nari Shakti Vandan Act

The Nari Shakti Vandan Act, 2023, includes a provision for 33% reservation for female legislators and is linked to the redistricting process. The government aims to implement women's reservation before the 2029 general elections, proposing constitutional amendments to separate the redistricting process from the 2027 census. Reports indicate that the government has suggested increasing the number of Lok Sabha seats to 850, with 815 allocated for states and the remaining 35 for Union territories, up from the current 543 seats.