Odisha CM signals ‘delimitation’ move; MLA strength may increase to 200

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi indicated on Monday that the number of MLAs in the Legislative Assembly may increase in the future following a possible delimitation exercise. The move could raise the Assembly’s strength from the present 147 seats to around 200.

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According to official sources, the project aims to meet future administrative and legislative needs while strengthening Odisha’s governance infrastructure.

Addressing an event today, the Chief Minister said preparations are being made keeping future requirements in mind. He noted that a new Legislative Assembly building is being constructed with a seating capacity for nearly 300 members (MLAs)—almost double the current strength—anticipating an increase in the number of legislators.

The Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for this ultra-modern project, which includes a new Lok Seva Bhawan and a new Assembly building, designed on the lines of the Central government’s Vista model. The project will be built at an estimated cost of Rs 3,623 crore.

The new complex will come up on around 71.13 acres of land, for which the Master Plan has already been approved. The new Lok Seva Bhawan will also feature underground parking facilities and modern infrastructure.

Foundation stone for the ambitious project was laid at the Lok Seva Bhawan conference hall during the National Road Safety Programme.

The Chief Minister’s remarks have sparked discussions on a possible increase in Assembly seats as part of future political and administrative reforms in the State.

“Presently, the strength of the Assembly is 147 and around 3-4 more seats are also there (for the MLAs) to sit. If the number of MLAs increases due to delimitation, what is being heard, and I am not even sure of it, there is a probability of an increase in the strength by 50 seats more. It could increase up to a total of 200 MLA seats,” the CM stated.

“If we target the next 50 or 100 years, why not make provision for 100 more seats from now?” the CM expressed while addressing the gathering.