Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is considering convening a meeting of southern states to strategize opposition to the proposed delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies. This move comes amid growing concerns that the delimitation exercise, if based solely on the latest census figures, could significantly reduce the representation of southern states in Parliament.
Siddaramaiah has voiced strong concerns that the proposed delimitation would be a "demographic punishment" for states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, which have successfully controlled population growth and invested in health, education, and women's empowerment. He argues that these states, having done what the nation asked, now face the prospect of losing political voice due to their success.
Speaking at the South India Socialist Conference in Bengaluru on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, Siddaramaiah warned that the delimitation could lead to the political marginalization of South India within its own country. He pointed out that studies suggest Uttar Pradesh and Bihar could gain over 20 Lok Sabha seats, while Tamil Nadu and Kerala together might lose 16 seats. Karnataka, too, faces a potential reduction in its political representation. He has previously indicated that Karnataka's Lok Sabha seats could fall from 28 to 26 if the exercise relies on the 2021 or 2031 census.
Siddaramaiah has been a vocal critic of what he sees as fiscal injustice towards Karnataka and other southern states. He has alleged that Karnataka alone was "robbed" of more than Rs 1.2 lakh crore in five years under the 15th Finance Commission. He argues that the Union government is shifting away from cooperative federalism towards "coercive centralism," where decisions are made in Delhi and imposed on the states. He has also accused the Union government of withholding funds, delaying disaster relief, and denying states their constitutional dues.
The Chief Minister has urged the Union government to either use the 1971 census as the base for delimitation or expand the total number of Lok Sabha seats in a manner that does not rely solely on population figures. He asserts that representation cannot become a reward for failure and a penalty for success. He has also stated that federalism is not charity but a constitutional right.
Siddaramaiah's efforts echo similar concerns raised by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin. In March 2025, Stalin had already taken the lead in resisting the Centre's proposed delimitation, suggesting the formation of a Joint Action Committee (JAC) comprising like-minded states to oppose the move.
The debate over delimitation has intensified, with southern states fearing a loss of political clout. Siddaramaiah has described Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks on the issue as "not trustworthy," accusing the BJP of using delimitation to "silence" the southern states. He has also alleged that every decision taken by the Union government is intended to punish Karnataka.
The proposed meeting of southern states signifies a coordinated effort to address these concerns and protect the interests of the region in the face of potential political marginalization.
