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Politics
Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar backs 543 Lok Sabha seats, keeps women’s quota within existing cap
✍️ The Economic Times
🗓 21 Aug 2026, 01:18 AM
👁 6
Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said Karnataka will support retaining the 543-seat Lok Sabha strength and maintain the women’s reservation within the current overall cap.
Bengaluru, Aug 20 — Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar reiterated his support for keeping the Lok Sabha at its present strength of 543 seats, rejecting any proposal to increase the total number of constituencies. In a statement to the media, Shivakumar emphasized that the existing parliamentary composition reflects the constitutional balance and should not be altered.
The CM also clarified his stance on the women’s reservation, insisting that any increase in the quota for female candidates must stay within the current overall cap on seats. He argued that expanding the quota beyond the existing limit could disrupt the proportional representation of states in the lower house.
Shivakumar’s comments come amid a broader national debate on electoral reforms, where some parties have called for a larger Lok Sabha and a higher share of seats for women. The Karnataka leader’s position underscores the state’s alignment with the status quo, at least for the upcoming general election cycle.
Political analysts note that the CM’s remarks may influence the state’s parliamentary candidates and could shape the narrative ahead of the 2029 general elections, as parties finalize their strategies on seat allocation and gender representation.
The CM also clarified his stance on the women’s reservation, insisting that any increase in the quota for female candidates must stay within the current overall cap on seats. He argued that expanding the quota beyond the existing limit could disrupt the proportional representation of states in the lower house.
Shivakumar’s comments come amid a broader national debate on electoral reforms, where some parties have called for a larger Lok Sabha and a higher share of seats for women. The Karnataka leader’s position underscores the state’s alignment with the status quo, at least for the upcoming general election cycle.
Political analysts note that the CM’s remarks may influence the state’s parliamentary candidates and could shape the narrative ahead of the 2029 general elections, as parties finalize their strategies on seat allocation and gender representation.