Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar favours 543 LS seats, women's quota within old cap

Bengaluru: Karnataka chief minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday urged the Southern Zonal Council to adopt a resolution asking the Centre to retain the 1971 Census as the basis for delimitation, maintain the Lok Sabha's strength at 543 for the next 25 years and accommodate women's quota within the existing strength.

Speaking at the 31st meeting of the council in Mahabalipuram, he said southern states' success in population control should not result in reduced political representation.

"We welcome the assurance that no southern state will lose seats. But representation is not only about numbers; it is about weight and voice," Shivakumar said, adding that the region's economic contribution should be matched by its political voice.


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He said the 1971 population basis should be honoured and expressed confidence that other southern CMs would support the demand.

Shivakumar also sought to delink women's reservation from the proposed delimitation exercise, arguing that its implementation should not be delayed. "Women have waited long enough for their rightful representation," he said.

Fiscal equity

The CM also sought greater fiscal fairness from the Centre, arguing that southern states contribute disproportionately to the national economy and tax revenues.

The five southern states account for about a third of India's gross domestic product while representing roughly a fifth of its population, he said, describing the region as an "engine of the Indian economy".

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Shivakumar highlighted Karnataka's contribution to software exports, foreign investment, aerospace, coffee and emerging technologies.

On tax devolution, he said Karnataka's share in the divisible pool fell to 3.6% under the 15th Finance Commission from 4.7% under the 14th, resulting in an estimated loss of ₹65,000 crore over six years.

He welcomed the increase to 4.13% under the 16th Finance Commission but said Karnataka's share should eventually be restored to 4.7%.

"Karnataka is the second largest contributor to GST and to income tax, and a state that performs on growth and revenue deserves to be incentivised, not penalised," Shivakumar said.