Delimitation Row: Amit Shah says bill will benefit southern states, shares state-wise seat breakdown

Amit Shah told Lok Sabha that delimitation will increase southern states’ representation, dismissing concerns of loss and sharing projected seat gains as Parliament debates key constitutional and election reforms.

Post Published By: Ayushi Bisht

Updated : 16 April 2026, 9:33 PM IST

Amit Shah says bill will benefit southern states (Img: Sansad TV)

New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday rejected claims that southern states would lose representation in the Lok Sabha after delimitation, asserting instead that their overall strength will increase.

Speaking during the special session of Parliament, Shah said a “false narrative” was being created around the issue. He emphasised that the proposed changes aim to ensure fairness while reflecting population shifts, without reducing any state’s current representation in absolute terms.

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Seat Share to Rise in Expanded Lok Sabha

Shah explained that the total number of Lok Sabha seats is expected to increase significantly, which would accommodate higher representation for all states. Currently, southern states together account for 129 seats in the 543-member House.

Under the proposed framework, their combined strength is projected to rise to 195 seats in an expanded House. He noted that their proportional share would also see a marginal increase, countering fears of dilution of political influence.

State-Wise Gains Highlighted

Detailing the projections, Shah said Karnataka could see its seats increase from 28 to 42, while Andhra Pradesh may rise from 25 to 38. Telangana is expected to go from 17 to 26 seats.

Similarly, Tamil Nadu could increase from 39 to 59 seats, and Kerala from 20 to 30. Shah assured that none of these states would face any reduction in representation.

State-wise seat breakdown

The five southern states: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana currently have a combined 129 seats in the Lok Sabha, which is proposed to be increased to 195.

No Change in Delimitation Framework

Addressing concerns raised by opposition leaders, Shah said the government has not altered the existing Delimitation Commission Act. He maintained that the framework remains unchanged and dismissed fears of potential misuse.

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He also clarified that the delimitation process would not affect upcoming elections immediately. According to him, any changes would only take effect after parliamentary approval and presidential assent, and are unlikely to be implemented before 2029.

Women’s Reservation Bill Also Introduced

The remarks came as the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, which proposes 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, was introduced in the House. Alongside it, related bills on delimitation and Union Territories laws were also tabled.

The proposed expansion of Lok Sabha seats potentially up to 850 is aimed at facilitating the implementation of the women’s quota ahead of the 2029 general elections.