No state will lose out in delimitation, says Amit Shah; offers 50% seat hike amendment if Opposition backs bill

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said no state would be disadvantaged in the proposed delimitation exercise, asserting that the government is willing to bring an amendment to ensure a uniform 50% increase in Lok Sabha seats across states if the Opposition agrees to support the bill.

Addressing the Lok Sabha, Shah said, “If the reason to oppose this bill is that there should be a 50% increase, then halt the proceedings for an hour, and I will bring an official amendment to this bill, but first they need to promise to pass the bill.”

He cited southern states to counter concerns over a potential loss of representation, noting that Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Kerala currently account for 129 of the 543 Lok Sabha seats, or 23.76%.


Also Read: Amit Shah says Opposition against women’s reservation, not its implementation; claims delimitation critics oppose SC/ST seat hike

“After a 50% increase, their seats will rise to 195, which will be 23.87% of 816 seats. No one will be at a loss,” he said.

Shah’s remarks come amid a broader debate over the delimitation exercise, with several opposition parties—particularly from southern states—raising concerns that population-based redistribution could reduce their share in Parliament.

Seeking to address these concerns, Shah said the proposed amendment would ensure proportional representation is maintained even as the overall strength of the House is expanded.

Also Read: 'Hiding behind women': Rahul Gandhi flags electoral rejig in delimitation push; strongly opposes Women's Reservation Bill in Lok Sabha

The proposal is part of the wider delimitation exercise, expected to be taken up after the current freeze on seat redistribution ends in 2026.