30 MPs for Kerala, 59 for Tamil Nadu; southern states will not lose representation, says Amit Shah

NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured that southern states will not lose representation in the proposed delimitation exercise linked to the Women's Reservation Bill. He said that after the implementation of the bill, the number of MPs from South India will increase from 129 to 195. Speaking during the discussion on the bill in the Lok Sabha, Shah presented data to support his claim. He stated that the current representation ratio of southern states, which stands at 23.76, will slightly increase to 23.87.

According to him, the number of MPs from Tamil Nadu will rise from 39 to 59, while Kerala will see an increase from 20 to 30 seats. However, Kerala's overall share in the Lok Sabha will marginally change from 3.68 to 3.67. Similarly, Karnataka will see its seats increase from 28 to 42. Shah also explained that the current strength of the Lok Sabha is 543 members. With a proposed 50% increase in seats and 33% reservation for women, all seats will remain open for general competition, including for women candidates. He added that while the estimated total was earlier mentioned as around 850, the actual number is expected to be 816.