Union law minister Arjun Ram Meghwal announced that Lok Sabha seats for all states will be increased by 50% following a new delimitation exercise. This move aims to implement a 33% women's quota in the lower House. The Lok Sabha's strength will increase to 815 seats from the current 543.
The Delimitation Bill, 2026, and two other bills seek to raise Lok Sabha seats and conduct delimitation based on the 2011 census figures. This will ensure that the women's quota is rolled out from the 2029 general elections.
However, the Opposition has opposed the delimitation plans, arguing that it will put southern states at a disadvantage. They demand that the delimitation and reservation for women should be based on the ongoing census, taking into account the caste enumeration.
