Government counters that South will get LS seats under new package

NEW DELHI: Under the formula proposed to increase the shares of all states proportionately and increase the share of the Lok Sabha by 50 per cent, Kerala’s share will rise from 20 to 30, which is seven more than its share in the last ‘completed’ tally. Karnataka’s Lok Sabha seats will increase from 28 to 42, one more than the original increase.Andhra Pradesh, which currently has 25 seats, will have 37 seats, again four more than the expected number. Neighboring Odisha will see its seats increase from 21 to 31, while census-based results will limit it to 28. Telangana’s seats will increase from 17 to 25 instead of 24.It remains to be seen whether the statement, detailing what has been achieved and rebutting arguments that the bill will reduce the South’s share, will help the government find the numbers it needs to reach the two-thirds threshold needed to pass a constitutional amendment bill as the opposition ups the ante on the issue.However, a clear statement that the 2011 Census will not be the basis for allotment of Lok Sabha seats, mentioning it for the purpose of delimiting state assembly constituencies, is sure to increase costs for Congress and others if it decides to oppose the legislation mandating women’s quota in the 2029 Lok Sabha polls, government sources said.“They insist on supporting women’s quota but are worried that the share of southern states in LS will come down. Once the facts are out, they cannot hide behind the controversy,” a government official said, adding that the BJP is already preparing for a political battle on women’s rights issues if the bill fails to pass in LS by Friday.