Proposed Lok Sabha Expansion Sparks Concern in Southern India

Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar criticizes the proposed Constitutional Amendment to increase Lok Sabha seats, warning it would undermine Southern states' influence. While supporting women's reservation, Shivakumar argues the plan masks an unfair political agenda and calls for transparency to protect federal balance.

The central government's proposal to amend the Constitution, potentially increasing Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 850, has drawn sharp criticism from Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. On Wednesday, Shivakumar expressed concerns that such a legislative move could systematically undermine the political influence of Southern states.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, Shivakumar condemned the measure as political re-engineering. He argued that the expansion could reward unchecked population growth in other regions while marginalizing progress and good governance in the South. Shivakumar's party, along with its allies, has vowed to resist any attempts to politically marginalize these states.

Shivakumar emphasized that the Congress party strongly supports Women's Reservation in the legislature, an initiative championed by Sonia Gandhi. However, he insisted that this should not be used as a pretext for contentious political restructuring. The Deputy CM called for transparency and consultation, warning against any hasty restructuring of India's democracy that might compromise its federal balance.

(With inputs from agencies.)