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Centre Moots Inter-State Redistribution of Lok Sabha Seats Based on 2011 Census
The package would raise the House to 850 seats and let Parliament decide delimitation after a census, with opposition parties warning of regional bias.
- The Centre proposes the Constitution 131st Amendment Bill to increase the Lok Sabha's strength to 850 from 550, operationalizing a 33% reservation for women. Draft bills shared Tuesday reveal the government also seeks to amend Article 82.
- Critics argue population-based delimitation would unfairly benefit northern states at the South's expense, as southern states have slower population growth. The proposal could shift the delimitation basis from the 1971 census to 2011 data, altering seat proportions.
- Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge confirmed the Opposition will oppose the bill, citing threats to federal rights. The government requires 360 votes in the 540-member Lok Sabha to pass the measure, making cross-party support essential.
- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK supremo M.K. Stalin announced a state-wide black flag agitation on April 16 against the delimitation exercise. Kharge called the timing "politically motivated," though opposition clarified it opposes delimitation, not women's reservation.
- Uncertainty looms ahead of the three-day special parliamentary session starting Thursday, as key BJP ally TDP, holding 16 seats, remains hesitant. The broader delimitation process, tied to a census beginning April 1, is expected to conclude in 2027.
11 Articles
11 Articles
How numbers are stacked against Modi govt’s delimitation push in Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha
Delimitation Bill: In a situation where all MPs are present and voting when Bill to amend Constitution is taken up for consideration, govt would require support of two-thirds of members in each House.
The Lok Sabha proceedings on Thursday are expected to be stormy. The Congress party and southern states have decided to strongly oppose three bills proposed by the central government. These bills will pave the way for delimitation and alter the Lok Sabha seats of the states. Southern states see this proposed change as a loss.
Why Delimitation Has Become Flashpoint Between Centre And Southern States
Lok Sabha seats will be increased to up to 850 from the current 543 to "operationalise" the women's reservation law before the 2029 parliamentary polls, following a delimitation exercise to be carried out based on the last published census.
Centre plans Bill to raise Lok Sabha seats to 850 to implement 33% women’s quota using 2011 Census data. Move aims to fast-track rollout by 2029, but sparks Opposition concerns over delimitation.
Centre moots inter-State redistribution of Lok Sabha seats based on 2011 Census
Govt circulates drafts of Constitution Amendment Bill and Delimitation Bill; If proposals are accepted, share of Lok Sabha seats of southern States will shrink; Bills propose increase in size of Lok Sabha to a maximum of 850 seats
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