Lok Sabha strength to rise from 543 to 850

15-Apr-2026

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The central government has proposed expanding the Lok Sabha from 543 to 850 seats, a move that would pave the way for implementing the long-pending women’s reservation law alongside a fresh delimitation exercise.

Sources said a draft bill outlining the expansion has been shared with MPs, with the government planning to take up key constitutional amendments during a special three-day sitting of Parliament.

The special session has been convened to amend provisions tied to a 33 per cent quota for women in Parliament and state assemblies, and to carry out delimitation of constituencies based on the 2011 Census. The increase in seats is aimed at enabling a smoother rollout of the quota by redrawing constituencies.

Under the proposal, 815 seats would go to states and 35 to Union Territories, taking the total strength to 850. The changes are expected to come into effect from the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

The Opposition is gearing up to challenge the government’s delimitation push, particularly the use of 2011 Census data. Parties including AAP, RJD and DMK are expected to argue that the exercise should instead be based on updated 2021 Census figures.

Sources said several INDIA bloc parties may also seek clarity on the long-standing demand for a “quota within quota” for women from backward classes.

A strategy meeting of Opposition leaders and allies, including AAP, is scheduled at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence in Delhi. Leaders from Trinamool Congress and DMK, which are in power in poll-bound West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, are expected to attend.