The Indian central government has put forth a proposal to increase the number of Lok Sabha seats from the current 543 to 850. This significant expansion is reportedly linked to the implementation of the long-anticipated women’s reservation law, alongside a fresh delimitation of constituencies.
Sources indicate that a draft bill outlining this expansion has been circulated among Members of Parliament (MPs). The government plans to address key constitutional amendments during a special three-day session of Parliament. The proposed increase aims to facilitate a smoother rollout of the 33 percent quota for women in Parliament and state assemblies by redrawing electoral boundaries based on the 2011 Census.
Details of the Proposed Expansion
- Under the current proposal, 815 seats would be allocated to states, with the remaining 35 designated for Union Territories, bringing the total strength to 850.
- These changes are anticipated to take effect from the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
Opposition Concerns and Challenges
The government's delimitation initiative, particularly its reliance on the 2011 Census data, is poised to face strong challenges from the Opposition. Parties such as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) are expected to advocate for the exercise to be based on more recent 2021 Census figures.
Furthermore, several INDIA bloc parties may seek clarification on the long-standing demand for a “quota within quota” for women from backward classes. A strategy meeting involving Opposition leaders and allies, including AAP, is scheduled at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence in Delhi to coordinate their response.
Trinamool Congress Raises Questions
Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien has publicly questioned the government’s intentions, suggesting that the proposed amendments prioritize delimitation over the actual implementation of women's reservation. He also highlighted the timing of the special session, convened merely weeks before state elections, and demanded access to the draft bill.
To pass constitutional amendments, the ruling party will require a two-thirds majority in Parliament, necessitating Opposition support. This requirement gives the Opposition bloc leverage to push their demands and seek greater transparency and clarity from the government.