Amit Shah and Akhilesh Yadav NEW DELHI: Union home minister Amit Shah on Friday suggested that Lok Sabha proceedings be paused for an hour so he could bring an official amendment that there would be a 50% increase in the number of seats per state after delimitation.“If the reason to oppose this bill is that there should be 50% reservation, then halt the proceedings for an hour and I will bring an official amendment to this bill. But first, they (the opposition) need to promise to pass the bill,” Shah said.He added, “Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Kerala — the strength of these five states in the 543 parliamentary seats is currently 129, which is 23.76%. After a 50% increase, when we allocate seats for these five states, it will rise from 129 to 195, which will represent 23.87% in 816 seats. No one will be at a loss.”However, Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav rejected Shah’s offer, citing what he described as the ruling BJP’s “record” since coming to power in 2014.”Based on nearly 11 years of experience, even if the BJP were to give a written assurance that they would appoint a woman prime minister, we still would not trust them,” Yadav added.Opposition parties have called delimitation a “dangerous” move, arguing that increasing the Lok Sabha strength from 543 to around 850 could reduce the relative representation of southern, north-western, north-eastern and other smaller states.They say this is because seat allocation based on population growth would likely benefit more populous states, while states that have controlled population growth could lose political weight in Parliament.The opposition has also linked the issue to women’s reservation, demanding that the government implement the 33% quota immediately based on the current strength of 543 seats, in line with Article 334A passed in 2023.They argue that since the provision says the quota will come into effect after delimitation based on the 2027 Census, the exercise could be completed earlier using fresh census data before the 2029 general elections. They have also criticised the government’s reliance on the older 2011 Census for the process.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosWomen’s Bill: Rahul Gandhi Accuses BJP Of Trying To Change Electoral Map, Takes ‘No Wife’ Jibe At PM“Can’t Be Condemned Enough”: Rajnath Singh Slams Rahul Gandhi’s “Magician” Remark On PM Modi‘Recently Removed’: Raghav Chadha’s Dig At AAP In Rajya Sabha Raises Questions Over Party UnityIndia Drops to 6th Largest Economy: Why IMF Data Doesn’t Tell the Full StoryBig Setback For Congress Leader Pawan Khera: Supreme Court Refuses Bail Relief, Shifts Case To Assam’PM Modi Doing Nautanki’: TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee Targets Govt Over Women Quota BillIndia, Pakistan Held Four Backchannel Meetings After Operation Sindoor Despite Frozen Ties: ReportMystery Killings Or Covert Strike? India’s Most Wanted Terror Figures In Pakistan Fall One By One‘Home Minister Says One Thing, Bill Says Another’: MP Kanimozhi Slams Delimitation Move As DMK ProtestsFrom WhatsApp Groups To Arson: How Noida Workers’ Protest Turned Violent Amid Pakistan Links123PhotostoriesTop 7 South Mumbai’s high-end neighbourhoods shaping India’s luxury real estateSmriti Irani enjoys authentic Bengali sweets: 8 traditional sweets of Bengal you need to try during summer10 delicious banana desserts you can easily make in minutesRed Banana vs Yellow Banana: Which is healthier? Full nutrition comparison of taste, benefits, and daily useForget wheat flour and try these traditional dishes made with rice flourR. Madhavan on Parenting: 5 Ways to raise kinder, more patient kidsThe ocean is scarier than you think: 10 chilling factsTop 5 iconic towers dominating global skylines and redefining luxury real estateTop 7 baby girl names inspired by VenusVirat Kohli in spotlight: Another ‘accidental like’? Cricketer likes model Liz Laz’s post, Avneet Kaur controversy resurfaces – all you need to know123Hot PicksIran warWipro buyback planPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingNashik TCSAmir HamzaRahul GandhiDianna RussiniDelhi WeatherCBSE Class 10 TopperMunawar FaruquiNashik TCS CaseNHL ScheduleTiger Woods
NEW DELHI: Union home minister Amit Shah on Friday suggested that Lok Sabha proceedings be paused for an hour so he could bring an official amendment that there would be a 50% increase in the number of seats per state after delimitation.“If the reason to oppose this bill is that there should be 50% reservation, then halt the proceedings for an hour and I will bring an official amendment to this bill. But first, they (the opposition) need to promise to pass the bill,” Shah said.He added, “Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Kerala — the strength of these five states in the 543 parliamentary seats is currently 129, which is 23.76%. After a 50% increase, when we allocate seats for these five states, it will rise from 129 to 195, which will represent 23.87% in 816 seats. No one will be at a loss.”However, Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav rejected Shah’s offer, citing what he described as the ruling BJP’s “record” since coming to power in 2014.“Based on nearly 11 years of experience, even if the BJP were to give a written assurance that they would appoint a woman prime minister, we still would not trust them,” Yadav added.Opposition parties have called delimitation a “dangerous” move, arguing that increasing the Lok Sabha strength from 543 to around 850 could reduce the relative representation of southern, north-western, north-eastern and other smaller states.They say this is because seat allocation based on population growth would likely benefit more populous states, while states that have controlled population growth could lose political weight in Parliament.The opposition has also linked the issue to women’s reservation, demanding that the government implement the 33% quota immediately based on the current strength of 543 seats, in line with Article 334A passed in 2023.They argue that since the provision says the quota will come into effect after delimitation based on the 2027 Census, the exercise could be completed earlier using fresh census data before the 2029 general elections. They have also criticised the government’s reliance on the older 2011 Census for the process.
