New Delhi, April 16 (NationPress) Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized on Thursday that the representation of southern Indian states will not be reduced following the delimitation process; in fact, it is expected to increase in the Lok Sabha. He also confirmed that the Cabinet has approved the inclusion of a caste count in the upcoming census.

Addressing concerns from the Opposition regarding potential adverse effects of delimitation on states like Tamil Nadu and Telangana, Shah provided a detailed breakdown of the Bill's practical implications for each state.

He stated that states such as Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu will see enhancements in their parliamentary representation.

Previously, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal had introduced the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill along with the Delimitation Bill 2026, while Shah proposed the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

In his remarks during the discussion on the three Bills, Shah contended, "A narrative is being constructed, and an illusion is being propagated regarding these Bills."

In a pointed comment towards DMK MPs who protested by wearing black attire against the Centre's proposed Delimitation Bill, Shah assured the people of Tamil Nadu that their power would not diminish, but instead, would increase.

Presenting statistics in the House, Shah noted, "Currently, there are 39 MPs from Tamil Nadu in the Lok Sabha, representing 7.18 percent. With a 50 percent increase, this number could rise to approximately 59 MPs."

He further elaborated, "In the new House, which will comprise 816 members, Tamil Nadu's share will slightly rise to 7.23 percent."

"Therefore, Tamil Nadu will not suffer any setbacks from this Bill," he reiterated.

Regarding Kerala's representation, Shah mentioned that their current strength is 3.68 percent. "With the increase, they will gain 30 MPs instead of 20, resulting in 3.67 percent representation."

According to the data presented by Shah, after the anticipated 50 percent rise in Lok Sabha seats, Karnataka's MPs will grow from 28 to 42. Andhra Pradesh will see an increase from 25 to 38 MPs, elevating its representation from 4.40 percent to 4.65 percent.

He also indicated that Telangana would increase its representation from 17 to 26 MPs, reflecting a 3.18 percent share.

Currently, the Lok Sabha consists of a total of 129 MPs from southern states.

"This accounts for nearly 23.76 percent representation from South India. Following the 50 percent increase, the number will rise from 129 to 195 MPs, boosting their collective strength by almost 24 percent," Shah asserted.

"Thus, their representation is not being decreased, but rather enhanced," the Union Home Minister reiterated.

As the one leading the Bill, Shah stated that it is his "duty" to clarify its implications to the House.

On the Opposition's claims that the Union government is reluctant to conduct a caste census, Shah clarified, "The Cabinet, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has resolved to carry out a caste-based census."

"The next phase of the census will focus on caste," he emphasized.

Shah also responded to inquiries about plans to expand the Lok Sabha to 850 members.

He explained, "If we consider 100 seats, with 33 percent reserved for women, increasing by 50 percent would result in 150 seats. Therefore, with 543 seats currently, after a 50 percent rise and reserving 33 percent for women, the remaining 543 will also be available for women candidates."

The Union Home Minister concluded, "850 is a rounded figure; the actual figure will be 816."

Shah reassured that elections will continue to be conducted using the existing seats and system until 2029.

"Thus, Akhilesh Yadav need not worry," he quipped, addressing the Samajwadi Party Chief directly.