Debunking Myths: Southern States' Representation in Lok Sabha to Increase

Union Home Minister Amit Shah refutes claims that southern states' representation will decrease in the Lok Sabha. Instead, seats are set to increase significantly after delimitation and women's reservation changes. Shah highlights potential seat increases across southern states, dismissing accusations of government interference in the delimitation process.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has firmly rejected allegations suggesting that the representation of southern states in the Lok Sabha will decline following the increase of seats to 816 due to delimitation and women's reservation. Shah clarified in a parliamentary debate that these narratives are 'completely false'.

According to the minister, the constituency redesign will actually enhance representation, with the number of seats in the five southern states climbing from 129 to 195. Specifically, Karnataka's seats will 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, Shah outlined.

Addressing concerns of potential government manipulation, Shah affirmed that the delimitation process remains unchanged under the existing law, emphasizing the transparency and consistency of the initiative. He assured that the new Lok Sabha count is a straightforward 50% increase from the current seats.

(With inputs from agencies.)