New Delhi, August 12: Congress MP P. Chidambaram stated on Wednesday that the number of Lok Sabha seats should be fixed at 543. He warned that failing to do so could lead to a situation similar to that of China’s parliament.
Speaking to reporters, Chidambaram emphasized, “The Lok Sabha must be frozen at 543. Otherwise, it will become like the Chinese parliament. This house will no longer be a legislative body but merely a public assembly.” He pointed out that Tamil Nadu currently holds 7.18% of the seats, suggesting that the quotas for Tamil Nadu and other southern states should also be stabilized. “They should not be penalized for implementing family planning,” he added.
Chidambaram further argued that there is no need for a delimitation bill. “There is no necessity for that delimitation bill. The current representation of states should not be reduced. Why are we being punished? Why should states that have honestly and consensually implemented family planning programs face penalties?”
He also condemned the police action against students during the ‘Vidhan Sabha Gherao’ march in Jharkhand. “Many, including Rahul Gandhi and myself, have denounced the police action regarding the Jharkhand issue. I expressed my shame towards the police and their political masters. This should not have happened, but it did, and we condemn it.”
Meanwhile, protests by students against alleged irregularities in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) recruitment exams continued for the 19th consecutive day in Ranchi. Protesters claim that candidates for both exams have been facing issues for an extended period.
One protester noted, “A large number of people have joined the protests, and we are concerned about the deteriorating health of students who have been camping here.” Another added, “Many people have come here, including Babulal Marandi, who spoke about the students in front of the media. So many people are sitting here, and their health is declining.”
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SAK/AS
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