Explained: This article explains the political background, key decisions, and possible outcomes related to Explained : Congress flags regional imbalance concerns over proposed LS expansion bill and Its Impact and why it matters right now.
He pointed to existing disparities in representation, noting that Uttar Pradesh currently has 80 Lok Sabha seats compared to 39 in Tamil Nadu. Under the proposed expansion, Uttar Pradesh’s strength could rise to 120 seats, while Tamil Nadu’s may increase to around 59.
Similarly, Kerala could see its seats go up from 20 to 30, while Bihar may increase from 40 to 60. Overall, Ramesh claimed, northern states would gain around 200 seats compared to about 66 seats for southern states.
He warned that such an expansion could disadvantage not just southern states, but also smaller states across the Northeast and western regions. “The government is preparing a law that could undermine equitable representation,” he alleged.
The concerns echo those raised earlier by A. Revanth Reddy, who termed the proposal a “hidden conspiracy” that could politically weaken southern India.
The debate comes amid broader discussions on parliamentary reforms following the inauguration of the new Parliament building in 2023, when the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam was passed, providing for one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
As the proposal gains traction, it is likely to spark a broader political debate over representation, federal balance, and the future structure of India’s Parliament.
With IANS inputs