The DMK in Tamil Nadu is at the forefront of opposing the Union government’s plan to boost Lok Sabha seats based on population growth. Currently, the Lok Sabha has 543 members, determined by the 1971 Census when India’s population was around 550 million.
With the population now exceeding 1.4 billion, the government aims to expand parliamentary representation through a new delimitation process. The proposed Delimitation Amendment Bill seeks to raise Lok Sabha MPs from 543 to about 850 and increase Union Territories’ representation from 20 to 35.
Southern states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka strongly oppose the move, fearing that it will favor northern states like Uttar Pradesh with higher population growth. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin criticized the proposal, warning of reduced state representation and federal principles’ undermining.
Estimates suggest Tamil Nadu’s Lok Sabha seats may rise from 39 to around 50, while Uttar Pradesh’s representation could increase from 80 to nearly 143, potentially shifting the power balance in Parliament. Chief Minister Stalin has instructed DMK MPs to attend the special Parliament session, setting the stage for a significant political confrontation.
