Chennai, April 15 (NationPress) The DMK party in Tamil Nadu has taken a leading role in opposing the Union government’s proposed delimitation initiative, aimed at augmenting the number of Lok Sabha seats in accordance with population changes. This move has raised alarms across various southern states.

Currently, the Lok Sabha comprises 543 members, a number determined by the 1971 Census when India's population was approximately 550 million.

With the population now surpassing 1.4 billion, the Centre has put forth plans to enhance parliamentary representation through a new delimitation process.

Reports indicate that the proposed Delimitation Amendment Bill seeks to increase the Lok Sabha MPs from 543 to around 850, along with expanding the representation from Union Territories from 20 to 35.

The Bill is anticipated to be introduced during a special Parliamentary session scheduled for the next three days. Southern states, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, have voiced strong opposition, contending that it would disadvantage regions that have effectively implemented population control measures.

There are concerns that a population-driven redistribution of seats would disproportionately favor northern states like Uttar Pradesh, where population growth has been more significant.

The Centre is also considering conducting delimitation based on the 2011 Census or even earlier data, rather than waiting for the post-2026 Census, as stipulated by the 2002 Delimitation Amendment Act, thereby intensifying the controversy.

M.K. Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, has vocally condemned the proposal, asserting that it would dilute the state’s representation in Parliament and violate federal principles.

He warned that should the Centre proceed with the plan, his party would initiate a major protest, claiming, “the old DMK will be seen.” Conversely, Edappadi K. Palaniswami has attempted to downplay these concerns, arguing that the delimitation process will not negatively impact Tamil Nadu.

Estimates suggest that Tamil Nadu’s Lok Sabha seats could rise from the current 39 to approximately 50, while Uttar Pradesh’s representation might increase from 80 to nearly 143, significantly reshaping the power dynamics in Parliament.

In addition, the Centre plans to introduce the Women’s Reservation Bill alongside the delimitation proposal, which aims to secure 33 percent reservation for women in the 2029 general elections.

As tensions escalate, Chief Minister Stalin has instructed DMK MPs to attend the special Parliamentary session, signaling an impending political showdown.