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Amit Shah Rebuts Priyanka Gandhi on Delimitation, Says South Won't Lose Power

Union Home Minister Amit Shah countered Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's remarks in the Lok Sabha, asserting that the Modi government has not altered the composition formula of the Delimitation Commission from the UPA era. He introduced and defended three key bills, including the Delimitation Bill, 2026, aimed at increasing Lok Sabha seats to implement women's reservation. Shah specifically addressed concerns from Southern states, providing data to show their share of parliamentary power would remain stable or even increase slightly. He detailed the projected rise in seats for states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh to allay fears of diminished influence.

Key Points: Amit Shah Responds to Priyanka Gandhi on Delimitation Bill

  • Shah refutes claims of BJP packing commission
  • Says formula same as UPA era
  • Assures South Indian states won't lose influence
  • Details seat increases for Southern states
3 min read

"We have not made any changes to Delimitation Commission...": Amit Shah responds to Priyanka Gandhi's remarks

Amit Shah defends Delimitation Bill, says no changes made to commission formula. He assures Southern states their influence in Lok Sabha will not diminish.

"We have not made any changes to the Delimitation Commission. We have replicated your Delimitation Commission Act. - Amit Shah"

New Delhi, April 17

Amid opposition's strong reservation over Delimitation Bill, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said that the Modi government has not made any changes to the formula for composition of Delimitation Commission and the norms are same as during the Congress-led UPA government.

Responding to Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's remarks in Lok Sabha about the possibility of BJP putting its own people in the Delimitation Commission, he asked if Congress had done any tampering during its rule.

"There was mention of the Delimitation Commission, saying that you will put your people in the Delimitation Commission and they will do this and that. I want to tell Priyanka Gandhi that we have not made any changes to the Delimitation Commission. We have replicated your Delimitation Commission Act. If you have tampered with it, I can say that we will not do so," he said.

The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026, The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 and The Delimitation Bill, 2026 were introduced and taken up for consideration and passing in the Lok Sabha earlier on Thursday.

Amit Shah sought to allay apprehensions of opposition members about the Southern states losing their influence as a result of an increase in seats in the Lok Sabha to implement the women's reservation Act, and said that while there will be about a 50 per cent increase in their seats, the relative proportion in total seats will also move up.

"The biggest narrative being created is that these three bills, the Constitution Amendment Bill, the bill on delimitation, and changes to the constituency election law, will harm the power of the South," he said.

"If we listen to the entire narrative created for the South, then out of the 543 seats created by you, 129 MPs currently sit in this House, which is approximately 23.76%. In the new House, 195 MPs will be sitting here, and their power will be 23.97%," he added.

Shah said Karnataka has 28 seats, and 5.15 per cent of the 543 seats in the House and after the passage of the bill, the number of Karnataka MPs will increase from 28 to 42, and the percentage in the Lok Sabha will increase to 5.44.

"Karnataka will not suffer any loss at all. Andhra Pradesh has 25 seats, which is 4.60 per cent. After the passage of the bill, the number of MPs will increase from 25 to 38, which will be 4.65 per cent," he said.

Shah said Telangana has 17 seats, which is 3.13 per cent and after the passage of the bill, the number of MPs will increase from 17 to 26, which will be 3.18 per cent.

"Tamil Nadu has 49 seats, which is 7.18 per cent. After the passage of the bill, the number of MPs will be 59, and their percentage in the new House of 816 will be 7.23 per cent. Tamil Nadu will also suffer no loss. Keralam has 20 seats, which is 3.68 per cent. After the passage of the bill, the number of MPs will be 30, and their percentage in the new House will be 3.67 per cent," he added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
As someone from Karnataka, I appreciate the detailed breakdown. Going from 28 to 42 MPs is significant. The opposition should focus on real issues instead of creating fear among southern voters.
D
David E
Interesting to see the political dynamics here. Shah's point about using the same Act as the previous government is a strong counter. It shifts the burden of proof back to the Congress.
P
Priyanka N
While the data is reassuring, the concern about the process remains. The government must ensure the delimitation exercise is completely transparent and non-partisan. Public trust is key. 🤔
K
Karthik V
Finally, a minister who comes prepared with facts and figures! This is how parliamentary debates should be. Baseless allegations get a factual reply. More of this, please.
A
Anjali F
The focus should be on the women's reservation that this delimitation will enable. That's the bigger picture. More seats mean more opportunities for women MPs from all states. That's progress.
M
Michael C
Respectfully, the minister's response is technically correct but politically convenient. Using the old Act doesn't automatically mean the execution will be fair. The opposition's vigilance is still necessary for a healthy democracy.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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