Lok Sabha Delimitation 2026: Why the need to increase LS seats, what is the controversy?
Lok Sabha Delimitation 2026: Over the past 50–55 years, India's population has witnessed rapid growth. In 1971, it stood at approximately 54 crores; by 2026, this figure is projected to reach around 142 crores—representing an increase of approximately 163%. In stark contrast, however, the number of Lok Sabha seats has remained relatively static, hovering around 543 even today.
To address this imbalance, the government is currently working on a plan to increase the number of seats in the Lok Sabha. As part of this initiative, a Constitutional Amendment Bill has been introduced, proposing to increase the maximum number of seats from 550 to 850. This proposed change is also intrinsically linked to the implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women's Reservation Act), under which 33% of the seats are to be reserved for women.
Concurrently, a delimitation process will be undertaken to facilitate the redistribution of seats and the redrawing of constituency boundaries. Another proposed piece of legislation—the Delimitation Bill, 2026—envisages the constitution of a commission tasked with allocating Lok Sabha seats among the states, redefining electoral constituency boundaries, and ensuring the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and women.
Formula for Seat Allocation Remains Unclear
Although a definitive formula for seat allocation has not yet been finalized, two potential approaches have emerged: either states continue to receive seats based on their current proportional share, or seats are redistributed strictly in proportion to their respective populations.
Seats in UP can rise to 138
According to the Bill, the commission will utilize the most recently published census data; consequently, the 2011 Census is likely to serve as the foundational basis for this exercise. For instance, Uttar Pradesh currently holds 80 seats, constituting approximately 14.7% of the total 543 seats. If this percentage is maintained, its seat count in an 850-member Lok Sabha could rise to approximately 124. Conversely, if seats are allocated based on the 2011 census, this figure could reach around 138.
Population-based distribution model can reduce Kerala's representation in LS
Similarly, Kerala currently holds 20 seats. If its existing share remains constant, this number could increase to approximately 31; however, under a population-based distribution model, it would likely reach only about 23 seats.
States with higher population growth to benefit
If the 2011 census data is used as the basis, the combined Lok Sabha seats for the five southern states—Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana—could rise to approximately 173, representing an increase of about 44 seats. In contrast, states with higher population growth—such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan—could see their seat count rise to around 307, marking an increase of 133 seats.
Voice of the southern states in Parliament could be diluted
Addressing this issue, M.K. Stalin termed it a "gross historical injustice imposed upon the southern states." Meanwhile, in a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, Revanth Reddy argued that despite their significant economic contributions, the voice of the southern states in Parliament could be diluted, while states with higher population growth would reap disproportionate benefits. He also proposed an alternative formula for seat allocation that incorporates the economic contributions of the respective states.
Population growth has not been uniform across all states
Over the past 50 years, India's population has grown by more than 2.5 times; however, this growth has not been uniform across all states. States such as Rajasthan, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh are projected to witness a population increase of approximately 190% to 220% between 1971 and 2027.
In contrast, Kerala is projected to see an increase of around 70%, and Tamil Nadu approximately 88%. Karnataka is projected to grow by 137%, and the undivided state of Andhra Pradesh by around 113%. Population growth in South India has been relatively low, an impact of which is clearly visible in representation.
In Rajasthan, a Member of Parliament (MP) represents, on average, approximately 3.3 million people, whereas in Kerala, an MP represents about 1.8 million people. This signifies a significant disparity in the population represented by a single MP across different states—a factor that remains the primary driver behind the ongoing debate regarding the redistribution of Lok Sabha seats.
Total Seats: 543 → 850
For States: 815 seats
For Union Territories: 35 seats
Reserved for Women: Approximately 273 seats