CM writes to PM Modi urging constitutional amendment per TN Assembly's delimitation resolution

PRESS RELEASE Letter from the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru C. Joseph Vijay, to the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Thiru Narendra Modi, urging the Union Government to consider the resolution passed in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly regarding the proposed delimitation of Parliamentary and Assembly constituencies, and to bring in appropriate Constitutional amendments accordingly. The Hon'ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu has today (13.8.2026) written to the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Thiru Narendra Modi, urging him to consider the resolution passed by the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly regarding the Union Government's proposed delimitation of Parliamentary and Assembly constituencies and to bring in the necessary Constitutional amendments accordingly. In the letter, the Chief Minister stated that he wished to bring to the Prime Minister's attention the deliberations held in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on the subject of the proposed delimitation of Parliamentary and State Assembly constituencies and the grant of 33% reservation for women. In this connection, he noted that a resolution was passed by the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on 12.8.2026, urging the Union Government to bring appropriate Constitutional amendments for permanently freezing the current total strength of the Lok Sabha at the existing level, for protecting the States' existing level of parliamentary representation (that is, continuing the current proportional distribution of seats among the States/Union Territories), for maintaining the existing ratio (2.2:1) between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, and for implementing 33% reservation for women from the ensuing Parliamentary election onward, on the basis of the existing strength of 543 seats. The Chief Minister further stated that this resolution has been passed against the backdrop of the proposed Constitutional amendment intending to determine the number and distribution of Lok Sabha seats on the basis of the population census. He noted that it was deliberated in the Assembly that if delimitation is carried out under Article 81(2)(a) of the Constitution following the population census — as happened in 1967, when the number of Parliamentary constituencies in Tamil Nadu was reduced from 41 to 39 — the southern States stand to lose a significant number of parliamentary seats. The Chief Minister further pointed out in the letter that any delimitation exercise, based on post-1971 population figures, that alters the existing number of seats would cause grave injustice to the southern States, which have effectively implemented population control programmes, achieved good economic growth, and implemented excellent healthcare and public welfare schemes. The resolution urges the following: (i) The total strength of the Lok Sabha should be permanently fixed at 543; (ii) The existing number of Lok Sabha seats allotted to the States should be permanently fixed at the current level; that is, the present system of seat-sharing among the States should continue. (iii) The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly urges the Union Government to ensure that women receive the benefit of one-third (1/3) reservation of seats in the upcoming General Elections to the Lok Sabha and in the subsequent General Elections to the State Legislative Assemblies. The Chief Minister further stated that he has enclosed a copy of the resolution passed by the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, and has kindly requested the Hon'ble Prime Minister to consider the resolution passed by the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and to bring in the necessary Constitutional amendments in this regard. ********* Issued by: Director, Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Chennai-9