Thiruvalla: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Lok Sabha seats would not be reduced in South Indian States that have successfully controlled population. He also said that the total number of seats will increase to benefit States across the country.

In his address at an NDA Assembly election rallyThiruvalla, he said that the Parliament session has been extended to April 16^th–18^th to pass amendments to the law ensuring 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.

Both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, which adjourned on Thursday, will reconvene on April 16^th for three days to take up legislation, including increasing Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 816 to implement women’s reservation.

He said that the extension will also safeguard South Indian States from losing any seats despite their success in population control. There are false rumours being spread that seats will be reduced in South Indian States due to population control, but this is completely untrue. Parliament will take steps to ensure that their seats are fully protected, he added.

States like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Telangana, and others that have done well in population control must not lose any Lok Sabha seats, even if their population growth is lower, said Modi.

He said that the Government’s goal was to ensure 33% women’s representation in Parliament from 2029 onwards and urged all parties to support the bill.

Our government has ensured 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. From 16^th – 18^th April, Parliament will reconvene to deliberate on the Nari Shakti Vandan Act and take it forward. Modi emphasized the Government’s focus on women’s empowerment.

The biggest beneficiaries of NDA policies are women. Women’s empowerment and representation are our priority.