Tamil Nadu seeks to protect parliamentary representation amid delimitation talks

In a statement that echoed concerns across South India, Congress MP Karthi Chidambaram urged lawmakers to safeguard Tamil Nadu’s share of Lok Sabha seats as the government moves forward with a delimitation exercise. He emphasized that the present allocation of 40 seats for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, against 80 for Uttar Pradesh, already reflects a delicate balance.

Should the proposed 50 % increase be applied uniformly, Tamil Nadu’s tally would climb to 60, while Uttar Pradesh would surge to 120. The relative proportion would stay the same, but the absolute difference would widen, creating a scenario where the northern state gains a decisive numerical edge.

Chidambaram argued that protecting regional representation should factor in not only population growth but also the success of states in controlling demographic expansion. He warned that ignoring these aspects could lead to a lopsided parliamentary composition favoring the most populous regions.