Delimitation Flashpoint: Naidu Says ‘Freeze or Expand Proportionately’
As India approaches the 2027 Census and the subsequent Lok Sabha delimitation exercise, a major political flashpoint is brewing. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has issued a firm warning to the Modi-led central government: either freeze every state’s existing Lok Sabha seat count or increase the number of seats proportionately across all states.
In an interview with ThePrint, Naidu made it clear that any attempt to alter seat shares based on population growth would “ignite heartburn” and “disturb federal balance,” especially in southern states that have successfully implemented population control policies. With the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) holding 16 MPs, Naidu’s voice carries weight in a coalition government with a slim NDA majority.
‘Freeze the number of seats before delimitation or increase them proportionately to avoid heartburns,’ Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu @ncbn tells ThePrint Political Editor DK Singh @dksingh73 #ThePrintUninterrupted
— ThePrintIndia (@ThePrintIndia) June 8, 2025
Full episode: https://t.co/lcmucnyiiX pic.twitter.com/AfUmCMAGUZ
This statement is not just a political comment—it’s a challenge to the very structure of India’s future democracy. As the Census 2027 approaches, this issue will only grow more urgent.
Why Andhra CM Wants Lok Sabha Seats Frozen or Increased Proportionately
Naidu’s stance is built around two non-negotiable principles:
- No reduction in the number of seats for any state.
- If the Lok Sabha expands from 543 to 848 seats, then each state must maintain its current percentage share.
For instance, Tamil Nadu’s current share of 7.18% must remain the same, even after expansion. Naidu is not against redrawing constituency boundaries within each state—but he is completely opposed to any seat reallocation across states based on population growth.
Southern states like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka have long feared that a population-based delimitation would disproportionately reward Hindi heartland states that failed to control fertility rates. Naidu’s remarks echo Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin’s concerns, forming a united southern political resistance.
This model aligns with preserving federal balance, ensuring that development and good governance are not penalized through a loss of democratic representation.
How TDP’s Delimitation Stand Could Reshape NDA Politics
The timing of Naidu’s intervention is strategic. The NDA currently holds 293 seats, just 21 above the majority mark. With TDP’s 16 seats, Naidu is in a position to influence or block any major constitutional amendment regarding delimitation.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah had earlier claimed that the Centre would “take care” of southern interests, but Naidu’s direct formula now forces clarity. His demand places limits on what Modi’s third-term government can push forward without fracturing the NDA or facing backlash in Parliament.
If the Modi government ignores these demands, it risks a major North vs South political crisis, especially when delimitation laws require broad consensus. Naidu’s message is clear—representation must not be punished for governance success.
