Congress leader P Chidambaram on Wednesday criticised the proposed Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, terming it a “mischievous and diabolical” move and alleging it would reduce the representation
of southern states in the Lok Sabha.
The remarks come ahead of key discussions in Parliament on the proposed amendment linked to the delimitation exercise.
Concerns Over Seat Redistribution
According to sources, the government has proposed increasing the strength of the Lok Sabha to 850 seats, including 815 for states and 35 for Union Territories, up from the current 543.
Chidambaram, in a post on X, said that a 50 per cent increase in seats would not translate proportionately across states, as delimitation is based on population within constituencies.
He wrote, “The apprehensions I had voiced in the last week have proved right. When the strength of the Lok Sabha is increased by 50 per cent from 543 to 815, the strength of TN will seemingly increase from 39 to 58. But this is an illusion. When delimitation takes place, it will reduce to 46. Uttar Pradesh’s strength will first increase from 80 to 120 and, after delimitation, it will further increase to roughly 140.”
‘Federal Balance Will Be Altered’
The Congress leader further said the proposed changes would reduce the share of southern states in Parliament.
“All the Southern States that have currently a representation of 24.3 per cent will find their representation reduced to 20.7 per cent. This is a mischievous, diabolical move to radically alter the federal balance. This must be OPPOSED,” he said.
Debate Likely In Parliament
Parliament is scheduled to take up discussions on the amendment Bill during a three-day special sitting of the Budget session starting April 16. The Bill is linked to the implementation of 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha from the 2029 elections under the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023.
Opposition parties have raised concerns over the proposed delimitation exercise, alleging it could reduce representation for southern states. They have also criticised the government for pushing the Bill ahead of the next Census.
