Tamil Nadu Draws Line on Delimitation, Seeks Lok Sabha Strength Fixed at 543

Tamil Nadu Assembly on Wednesday adopted a resolution urging the Centre to permanently fix the strength of the Lok Sabha at 543 seats, intensifying the state’s opposition to the proposed delimitation exercise.

The resolution, moved by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, also called for the implementation of 33 per cent reservation for women in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections and elections to state legislative assemblies. The measure was passed after a nearly two-hour debate in the House.

Vijay argued that women’s representation could not be postponed any further, asserting that “reservation for women is not a concession, it is their democratic right.”

A key concern raised in the resolution was the potential impact of delimitation on states that have successfully implemented population-control measures. The Tamil Nadu government said the Centre must ensure that such states are not penalised through a reduction in their political representation because of demographic changes.

The resolution received support from the DMK, as well as the ruling TVK’s friendly parties, the CPI and CPI(M). However, the AIADMK took a different position. Former chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami said his party supported only the provision seeking 33 per cent reservation for women.

The PMK, an NDA constituent, opposed the resolution and called for its withdrawal. BJP’s lone MLA Bhojarajan defended the Centre’s delimitation initiative, saying it was aimed at safeguarding the interests of future generations.

The latest move follows a meeting of Tamil Nadu MPs from the ruling alliance and friendly parties on August 8, where they resolved to oppose the proposed delimitation exercise. The DMK and AIADMK had stayed away from that meeting, with both parties separately criticising the proceedings.

The August 8 meeting had also demanded that the Lok Sabha-Rajya Sabha seat ratio remain at 2.2:1. The participants subsequently agreed that the state Assembly should adopt a resolution aimed at permanently safeguarding the political interests of Tamil Nadu and other southern states.

The resolution places Tamil Nadu at the centre of a growing political debate over how the next delimitation exercise could reshape parliamentary representation across India.