No Seat Loss for South in New Lok Sabha, Says Amit Shah
The Lok Sabha on Thursday witnessed din during tabling of bills. (Image X.com)
Amit Shah says southern states will not lose Lok Sabha seats after delimitation;
By NIRENDRA DEV
New Delhi, April 16, 2026 — Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday sought to dispel concerns over the proposed delimitation exercise, asserting that southern states will not lose representation in the expanded Lok Sabha. Amit Shah says southern states will not lose Lok Sabha seats after delimitation; 129 seats from four states will increase to 195
Addressing the House during discussions on the Constitutional Amendment Bill and related laws, Shah said a “false narrative” was being created suggesting that states like Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Karnataka would suffer losses. “There will be no real loss to southern states,” he said, presenting detailed projections.
According to Shah, the total strength of the Lok Sabha could rise from 543 to 816 seats after delimitation. Karnataka’s representation is expected to increase from 28 to 42 seats, maintaining its share at around 5.14%. Andhra Pradesh would see its seats rise from 25 to 38 (4.65%), while Telangana’s tally could go up from 17 to 26 (3.18%).
Tamil Nadu, currently with 49 MPs (7.18%), would increase to 59 seats, marginally improving its share to 7.23%. Kerala’s representation would grow from 20 to 30 seats, with its percentage remaining broadly stable at 3.67%.
Shah emphasized that the collective share of southern states would not diminish. “Currently, 129 MPs from the South make up about 23.76% of the House. In the new House, this will rise to 195 MPs, or 23.97%,” he said.
He also clarified that the delimitation process will not impact upcoming elections. “The Delimitation Commission’s report will only come into effect after parliamentary approval and Presidential assent,” Shah noted.
The statement comes amid political debate over the timing and implications of the delimitation exercise ahead of key elections.
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FAQs:
- Will southern states lose Lok Sabha seats after delimitation?
No, Amit Shah stated that southern states like Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Karnataka will not lose representation and will instead see an increase in seats.
- What will be the new strength of the Lok Sabha?
The Lok Sabha strength is proposed to increase from 543 to 816 seats after delimitation.
- How will Karnataka’s representation change?
Karnataka’s seats are expected to rise from 28 to 42, with its overall share remaining stable.
- When will the new delimitation come into effect?
The changes will only be implemented after Parliament approves the Delimitation Commission’s report and the President gives assent, likely not before 2029.
- Will upcoming elections be affected by delimitation?
No, upcoming elections will be conducted under the existing constituencies and system.
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