Karnataka CM Urges Centre to Freeze Lok Sabha Seat Count
· India · Indian Express, Hindustan Times, Times of India
Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has formally proposed that the central government freeze the current number of Lok Sabha seats at 543. During the Southern Zonal Council meeting in Mahabalipuram, he argued that southern states should not be penalized with reduced political representation for their success in population control. Shivakumar emphasized that the region's economic contribution must be balanced with its political voice in the national legislature. He further suggested that any future implementation of women's reservation should be accommodated within the existing seat count rather than through expansion. Additionally, the Chief Minister requested a review of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Bill 2026, citing concerns over the state's authority to tax major minerals.
Why it matters
The proposal addresses the growing tension between southern states and the Centre regarding the potential delimitation of parliamentary constituencies, which could shift political power based on population demographics. If adopted, it would preserve the current political weight of southern states despite their lower population growth rates.
Read the original report — Indian Express
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