“Don’t Spread Lies”: Amit Shah on Delimitation Row

• Amit Shah slams misinformation on delimitation
• Assures no reduction in seats for southern states
• Says caste census decision already taken
• Clarifies expansion will not affect current representation

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 16th April: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday sought to address concerns surrounding delimitation and seat expansion, asserting that the number of parliamentary seats in southern states will not be reduced.

Clarifying the Centre’s position, Shah stated that the proposed increase in Lok Sabha seats—from 543 to 816, reflecting a 50% expansion—would not disadvantage any region.

Dismissing fears raised by several southern states, the Home Minister said representation would remain balanced and no state would lose its existing share.

He emphasised that the delimitation exercise would be conducted strictly in accordance with existing laws, with no changes to the current legal framework.

Addressing another key issue, Shah said the Modi Cabinet has already decided to conduct a caste census and urged people not to spread confusion over the matter.

He noted that the ongoing census process is aligned with caste-based enumeration, reinforcing the government’s commitment to data-driven policymaking.

The Home Minister further clarified that the delimitation process would not impact ongoing elections, countering speculation that electoral dynamics could be altered immediately.

“The Delimitation Commission law follows the existing framework and will not affect current polls,” he said.

The remarks come amid an intensifying political debate over delimitation and the proposed expansion of Lok Sabha seats, with opposition parties and southern states expressing concerns over potential shifts in political representation.

The Centre, however, has reiterated that the process will ensure fairness and uphold the federal balance without penalising states that have performed better on population control indicators.