Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal on Thursday said that Lok Sabha seats across all states are set to increase by 50 per cent as part of the exercise linked to the implementation of the women’s reservation and the ensuing delimitation process.

According to the proposal, the expansion of seats will significantly alter state-wise representation in the Lok Sabha. Uttar Pradesh is expected to see its seats increase to 120, while Tamil Nadu will have 59 seats, West Bengal 63, Kerala 30, and Gujarat 39.

Opening the discussion in the Lok Sabha on the set of Bills related to women’s reservation and delimitation, Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal said that the Women’s Reservation Bill passed in 2023 provides for implementation based on the census after 2026 and a subsequent delimitation exercise.

He stated that the proposed changes would lead to a 50 per cent increase in the strength of the Lok Sabha, taking the total number of seats to 815. Of these, 272 seats will be reserved for women, constituting one-third of the total strength of the House.

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Meghwal emphasized that the expansion would ensure that there is no reduction in representation for male Members of Parliament or any state, as all existing seats would be retained while additional seats are created to accommodate the reservation provisions.

Meghwal also presented the proposed Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026 and tabled the Delimitation Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

The Women’s Reservation Bill proposes a cap of 815 on the number of members chosen by direct election from constituencies in the states.

For UTs, the Bill says, “Not more than 35 members to represent the Union Territories, chosen in such manner as Parliament may by law provide.”

At present, there are 530 Lok Sabha members from states and 20 from union Territories (UTs). However, a delimitation commission had set the number at 543.

(with inputs from IANS)