Amit Shah Addresses Misconceptions on Southern States' Representation in Lok Sabha
Clarifying Representation Concerns
On Thursday, April 16, Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed rumors suggesting that the representation of southern states in the Lok Sabha would decline following the delimitation process. He clarified that, in fact, their representation is set to increase. Shah stated that the number of seats for southern states will rise to 195.
Speaking during a special session of Parliament, Shah emphasized that misinformation is being spread regarding three bills related to constitutional amendments and changes in delimitation and electoral processes, which are claimed to reduce representation for southern states and cause significant harm. He noted that the bills are now part of the House's proceedings.
Ensuring Fair Representation
Shah explained that the overall increase in seats will ensure that no state completely loses its current representation. He stressed that the goal of this process is to maintain fairness while accommodating population changes through an expanded Lok Sabha. He pointed out that currently, 129 MPs from southern states represent approximately 23.76% of the total 543 seats, which will increase to 195 MPs, raising their share to 23.97%.
He dismissed the notion that the passage of these three bills would drastically reduce the number of representatives from southern states, asserting that Karnataka currently has 28 Lok Sabha seats, representing 5.15% of the total. After the bills are enacted, Karnataka's representation will rise to 42 seats, which will account for 5.14% of the new total of 816 seats.
State-Specific Representation Changes
Shah further elaborated on the situation in Andhra Pradesh, where the current 25 Lok Sabha seats represent 4.6%. Post-delimitation, this will increase to 38 seats, or 4.65%. In Telangana, the existing 17 seats (3.13%) will rise to 26 seats (3.18%).
He reassured the people of Tamil Nadu that their representation will not diminish, with the state currently having 39 members (7.18%), which will increase to 59 (7.23%) after the delimitation. Additionally, he mentioned that Kerala's representation, currently at 6.38%, will rise to 30 seats, reflecting a significant increase.
Overall, the southern states currently have 129 Lok Sabha members, representing 23.76%, which will grow to 195 seats, equating to 23.97% or nearly 24% after the changes.
Addressing Political Concerns
Shah asserted that representation is not decreasing but rather increasing. Responding to Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's concerns about bias in the delimitation commission, he stated that no changes have been made to the delimitation commission act, reiterating the existing law.
He remarked that if there were manipulations during the Congress government's tenure, they would not be repeated under the current administration. Regarding allegations that these bills are being introduced for political gain in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, Shah clarified that the delimitation commission's report will only be implemented after parliamentary approval and presidential assent, with no changes expected before 2029.