New Delhi, August 12, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Congress MP P. Chidambaram on Wednesday opposed any reduction in the representation of southern states during delimitation, arguing that the strength of the Lok Sabha should remain fixed at 543 seats.
Speaking to reporters, Chidambaram said states that had implemented family planning programmes should not be penalised through changes in parliamentary representation.
“The Lok Sabha should be frozen at 543. Otherwise, it will become like the Chinese Parliament. It will become a public meeting. It won’t be a House,” he said.
Referring specifically to Tamil Nadu, Chidambaram said its share of parliamentary representation stood at 7.18 per cent and maintained that the proportion of the southern states, including Tamil Nadu, should be protected.
He also opposed the proposed delimitation legislation, saying there was no need for such a Bill if it resulted in the existing representation of states being reduced.
“There is no need for that delimitation Bill. The existing representation of states must not be reduced. Why are we being punished? Why are the states which have faithfully and consensually implemented the family planning programme being punished,” he said.
Chidambaram also condemned the police action against students during the ‘Vidhan Sabha Gherao’ march in Jharkhand, saying Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and several party leaders had criticised the incident.
“Shame on the police and their political masters. It should not have happened, but it has happened, and therefore we condemn it,” he said.
Meanwhile, protests over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) continued in Ranchi for the 19th consecutive day.
Protesters said candidates appearing for the two examinations had been facing difficulties for a prolonged period. One protester claimed that the large turnout at the demonstration had raised concerns over the health of students who had been staying at the protest site.
The protester also said former Jharkhand Chief Minister Babulal Marandi visited the protest site early in the morning and discussed the students’ concerns with them.
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