The central government is active towards expanding Lok Sabha seats and implementing women’s reservation before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. Under this, with the help of the Delimitation Commission, there is a possibility of increase in seats in some states, which also includes Maharashtra.
Mumbai: The central government is preparing to expand Lok Sabha seats and implement women’s reservation before 2029. Under this, the number of seats can be increased through the Delimitation Commission. According to the information received, discussions are currently going on on these issues. Experts estimate that after this process the Lok Sabha seats are likely to almost double.
An increase in seats can be seen in many states, including Maharashtra. Although it is not yet clear how many seats will increase, but this is going to have a big impact on the political equations and representation in the states.
Women reservation and expansion of seats
According to sources, the government is preparing a proposal to increase the total seats of Lok Sabha from 543 to about 816. Under this, about one-third seats will be reserved for women. This proposal will come into effect after being passed in the Parliament, which will help in increasing the participation of women in Indian politics.
This will have a direct impact on Maharashtra. With 48 existing seats in the state, 24 new seats are possible to be added after delimitation. This can make representation in the state more diverse and balanced.
History of Lok Sabha seats of Maharashtra
The number of Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra (earlier Bombay) has varied over time. The first Lok Sabha elections were held in 1952, when there were 45 seats in the state. After the Delimitation Committee of 1976, this number increased to 48 seats in the 1977 elections, which remains the same till now.
The existing 48 seats include Rajapur, Ratnagiri, Colaba, Bombay South, Bombay South Central, Bombay North Central, Bombay North East, Bombay North West, Thane, Dahanu (ST), Nashik, Malegaon (ST), Dhulia, Nandurbar (ST), Erandol, Jalgaon, Buldhana (SC), Akola, Washim, Amravati, Ramtek, Nagpur, Bhandara, Chimur, Chandrapur, Wardha, These include Yevatmal, Hingoli, Nanded, Parbhani, Jalna, Aurangabad, Bhir, Latur, Osmanabad (SC), Sholapur, Pandharpur (SC), Ahmednagar, Khed, Pune, Baramati, Satara, Karad, Sangli, Ichalkaranji and Kolhapur.
Possible changes across the country
According to the proposal of the Central Government, the number of Lok Sabha seats can increase by about 50 percent, which can benefit the biggest states of North India. For example, the seats in Uttar Pradesh may increase from the current 80 to 120. Similarly, representation may increase in other big states also.
The next census is likely to be completed by March 1, 2027. After this the Delimitation Commission will be formed. It is estimated that the delimitation process may take about three years. If the law is not changed, the new seats and women’s reservation may not be implemented till the 2029 elections.
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