TNI Bureau: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday addressed concerns surrounding the proposed Delimitation Bill, 2026, asserting that no injustice would be done to any state, particularly those in southern India.
Intervening in a discussion in the Lok Sabha on the Delimitation Bill, the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, Shah dismissed claims that southern states would lose representation. He clarified that the proposed exercise would, in fact, benefit all regions.
According to the government’s plan, Lok Sabha seats are expected to increase by nearly 50 percent—from the current 543 to around 816. As a result, the number of Members of Parliament (MPs) from southern states would rise from 129 to 195, while their overall share would remain largely unchanged at around 24 percent.
Shah highlighted state-wise projections to reinforce his argument. Karnataka’s seats are expected to rise from 28 to 42, Andhra Pradesh from 25 to 38, Telangana from 17 to 26, Tamil Nadu from 39 to 59, and Kerala from 20 to 30. Despite the increase in absolute numbers, their proportional representation in the Lok Sabha would remain nearly the same.
He also clarified that the delimitation process would not impact upcoming elections. “There is no question of implementation before 2029,” he said, adding that all elections until then would be conducted under the existing system.
Addressing concerns over procedural changes, Shah stated that the government has not altered the Delimitation Commission Act and has retained it in its original form. He further noted that the final implementation would require parliamentary approval and presidential assent.
On the issue of caste census, the Home Minister said that the ongoing census is being conducted in two phases—housing enumeration followed by population enumeration. Caste data, he clarified, would be collected during the latter phase.
Reaffirming the government’s stance, Shah emphasized that India’s democratic structure remains robust and that no political force can manipulate the will of its people.
