CM Vijay Writes To PM Modi, Seeks Lok Sabha Seats Frozen At 543

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Thursday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging the Centre to introduce Constitutional amendments to permanently maintain the strength of the Lok Sabha at 543 members. Vijay also sought continuation of the existing allocation of Lok Sabha seats among states, citing concerns over the proposed delimitation exercise and its potential impact on the representation of southern states.

Vijay referred to a resolution passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly on August 12, 2026, concerning the proposed delimitation of Parliamentary and Assembly constituencies. The resolution urged that the total strength of the House of the People remain fixed at 543 and that the present distribution of seats among states be retained. Vijay enclosed a copy of the Assembly resolution and requested Modi to consider its demands and bring the necessary Constitutional amendments.

The Tamil Nadu Assembly also urged the Union government to implement 33 per cent reservation for women in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and subsequent elections to state legislative Assemblies. The demand comes amid the wider political discussion surrounding delimitation and the implementation of women's reservation. Vijay's letter linked the two issues to the concerns raised by Tamil Nadu legislators over changes to electoral representation.

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During the August 12 Assembly discussion, concerns were raised that southern states could lose parliamentary seats if delimitation is carried out using updated population figures and relevant provisions governing the allocation of seats. Members referred to the experience of Tamil Nadu, where the number of Lok Sabha constituencies fell from 41 to 39 in 1967. The debate focused on the possibility that states that have successfully implemented population-control measures could face reduced representation.

The Assembly resolution argued that any delimitation based on the post-1971 population that alters the existing distribution of seats could create long-term consequences for southern states. Supporters of the position pointed to the region's progress in population stabilisation, economic development, healthcare and public welfare programmes. They argued that changes based primarily on population could affect the political representation of states that had achieved lower population growth through sustained policy efforts.

Vijay's intervention puts the Tamil Nadu government's position directly before the Union government as discussions over delimitation continue. By seeking to preserve the 543-member strength of the Lok Sabha and the existing state-wise allocation, the Chief Minister has backed the Assembly's demand for safeguards against a reduction in southern India's parliamentary representation. The issue is expected to remain politically significant as preparations for the next delimitation exercise progress.

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