Kharge Writes To PM Modi Seeking 543 Lok Sabha Seats For 25 Years, All-Party Delimitation Meet

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to convene an all-party meeting to discuss the proposed delimitation exercise and called for the Lok Sabha’s existing strength of 543 seats to remain unchanged for another 25 years. In a letter to Modi, Kharge also sought continuation of the existing state-wise allocation of Lok Sabha seats for the same period. He further called for one-third reservation for women to be implemented from the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

Kharge urged the government to share its delimitation proposals with all political parties and state governments and provide them adequate time to study the details before introducing any legislation in Parliament. He recalled that he had made a similar request to Modi on July 16, seeking an all-party meeting and sufficient time for political parties to examine the government’s proposals. His latest letter came after Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju indicated in a television interview that a special Parliament session could be convened to discuss delimitation-related proposals.

The Congress president reiterated that his party’s position on delimitation was clear. He called for the Lok Sabha’s current strength of 543 seats to be frozen for another 25 years and the existing state-wise allocation to remain unchanged during the period. Kharge also sought implementation of one-third reservation for women from the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. He described delimitation as an issue of “enormous significance” for the country and urged the government to allow political parties and states to examine any proposals before Parliament takes them up.

Also Read: CJP Claims Lok Sabha Rejected Three Question Sets Concerning Ongoing Youth Protests

Kharge also referred to the timing of the possible special session and the continuation of the Monsoon Session. He questioned whether the reported possibility of a special session explained the delay in proroguing the current session. The Congress has repeatedly raised concerns over the possible impact of delimitation on the representation of states and has previously demanded that the existing strength of the Lok Sabha be frozen while ensuring 33% reservation for women.

Earlier this month, the Congress Working Committee reiterated its support for both demands. The opposition party has also criticised the government's approach to implementing women’s reservation, accusing it of prioritising political considerations. Congress leaders have maintained that women’s reservation should be implemented from the 2029 elections and that the delimitation process should not alter the existing balance of representation without wider political consultation.

The issue has gained further importance following developments during the Budget Session on April 17, when a Constitution amendment bill linked to delimitation and women’s reservation in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies was defeated in the Lower House. Of the 528 MPs who voted, 298 supported the bill while 230 opposed it, with the legislation requiring a two-thirds majority of 352 votes to pass. Kharge’s latest letter places renewed focus on the need for broader consultations before the government moves ahead with its delimitation proposals.

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