Government Proposes Lok Sabha Expansion Amid Opposition Concerns
Govt assures fair LS expansion; Opposition demands written guarantee
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
The Indian government is proposing an increase in the Lok Sabha's strength from 543 to 816 seats, along with a 33% reservation for women. While government leaders assured that no state would lose representation, the Opposition remains skeptical, demanding written guarantees and raising concerns about the timing and implications of the changes.
- 01The Lok Sabha's strength is proposed to increase from 543 to 816 seats.
- 02A 33% reservation for women is included in the proposal.
- 03Government leaders claim no state will lose representation, particularly southern states.
- 04The Opposition demands written guarantees and questions the government's intent regarding the caste census.
- 05The bills require a two-thirds majority to pass in the Lok Sabha.
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The Indian government has introduced a proposal to expand the Lok Sabha from 543 to 816 seats and implement a 33% reservation for women. During discussions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured that each state's representation would not be adversely affected, particularly for southern states, which currently hold 23.76% of seats. Shah presented data showing that states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu would see increases in their seat shares. However, the Opposition, led by Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, expressed skepticism, arguing that the government's assurances were verbal and not reflected in the bills. They raised concerns about the timing of the proposal, coinciding with upcoming elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, and demanded clarity on the caste census issue. The 131st Constitution Amendment Bill and two delimitation bills require a two-thirds majority to pass, while the Opposition has the numbers to potentially block the proposal. The bills are set for a vote on Friday, following a lengthy debate.
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If passed, the expansion of the Lok Sabha could alter political dynamics, particularly for southern states, affecting representation and electoral strategies.
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