Vijay Urges PM Modi to Fix Lok Sabha Strength at 543 Amid Delimitation Debate

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Thursday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the Centre to make necessary Constitutional amendments to permanently fix the strength of the Lok Sabha at 543 members.

The Chief Minister drew the Prime Minister’s attention to a resolution passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly on August 12 concerning the proposed delimitation of parliamentary constituencies. The resolution called for the total number of members in the House of the People to remain permanently at 543.

Vijay enclosed a copy of the Assembly resolution with his letter and requested the Prime Minister to initiate the required constitutional changes to give effect to the demand.

The issue assumes significance amid discussions over the delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies, which could potentially alter the representation of states in Parliament based on population. Southern states, including Tamil Nadu, have expressed concerns that a delimitation exercise based primarily on population could affect their existing share of parliamentary seats.

The Tamil Nadu Assembly’s resolution seeks to ensure that the overall strength of the Lok Sabha does not increase or undergo changes that could affect the current distribution of parliamentary representation.

Vijay’s intervention comes amid a broader political debate over the proposed delimitation exercise and its implications for federal representation and the balance between states. Several southern states have raised concerns over the possibility of population-based delimitation affecting states that have made significant progress in population control.

The Chief Minister’s letter places Tamil Nadu’s position before the Union government and seeks a constitutional safeguard for the existing strength of the Lower House. The proposed amendments, if considered, would require parliamentary approval and would mark a significant step in addressing concerns raised by states over the future delimitation process.

The demand also highlights the growing political importance of the delimitation issue ahead of discussions on the future composition of the Lok Sabha.