- By Shubham Bajpai
- Sat, 04 Apr 2026 11:02 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a major assurance to the southern states in India that their Lok Sabha seats would not be reduced, as they have successfully controlled population growth. The Prime Minister further added that the seats will be increased to benefit states across the country.
PM Modi said this while addressing an NDA poll rally in Kerala, as the Opposition has been raising concerns about the southern states' alleged fate of getting outnumbered in the Lok Sabha post delimitation exercise due to uneven population distribution between the north and the south.
While addressing the poll rally, he said, "There are false rumours being spread that seats will be reduced in South Indian states due to population control, but this is completely untrue. Parliament will take steps to ensure that its seats are fully protected".
Referring to states such as Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana, the PM said those that have effectively controlled population growth should not lose any Lok Sabha seats because of it.
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The prime minister also said that the Parliament's Budget Session has been extended and will continue between April 16 and 18 to take up key legislation, including amendments to implement 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
PM Modi's assurance follows an allegation by Congress that southern states, which have controlled their populations, will be "punished" with fewer seats.
Jairam Ramesh, senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP, said that it was a "very big issue" and that Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh could see a reduction in their number of seats.
The delimitation exercise is due, after which the seats in the Lok Sabha will be increased by 50 per cent to 816.
(With PTI Inputs)