Revanth Reddy To PM Modi: Embrace Vajpayee’s Vision For Delimitation

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to follow the approach of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee when it comes to delimitation, emphasizing that the process should not penalize southern states that have successfully implemented family planning. Speaking at the 'Fair Delimitation' meeting hosted by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin in Chennai, Reddy strongly opposed increasing the number of Lok Sabha seats, warning that it would create an imbalance in political power.

He pointed out that in 1976, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi carried out delimitation without increasing the number of parliamentary seats, and the NDA government led by Vajpayee did the same in 2001. "Narendra Modi can follow Vajpayee's method. Do not increase Lok Sabha seats for another 25 years. Conduct delimitation within states by adjusting constituency boundaries based on the latest census. Increase SC and ST seats where needed, and ensure 33% reservation for women in every state," Reddy asserted.

The Telangana CM set forth conditions for the Centre if delimitation is pursued. "The South currently has 130 seats out of 543, which accounts for roughly 24% of political representation. We demand that this be increased to 33%," he said. He warned that any attempt to carry out population-based delimitation would diminish the South's political voice. "If BJP pushes for this, the North will dominate and reduce us to secondary citizens," Reddy stated, urging the South and Punjab to stand united against such moves.

Reddy dismissed the pro-rata formula as well, arguing that it would only widen the power gap. "Governments in India have fallen due to a single vote. Any formula that alters the balance will hurt us," he said. Representing Malkajgiri, one of the country's largest constituencies, he acknowledged the challenges of large electoral districts but insisted that the Centre must end its "delimitation bias" against the South and Punjab.

He accused the BJP of enforcing a "demographic penalty," arguing that while South India successfully implemented family planning and contributed significantly to the economy, states in the North lagged behind. "We have achieved rapid economic growth, higher GDP, better per capita income, job creation, infrastructure, governance, and social welfare. Yet, we contribute more to the national exchequer and receive fewer allocations. This proposed delimitation would punish performing states," Reddy said, vowing to resist the move.

He announced that Telangana will pass a resolution against delimitation in its Assembly and urged other southern states and Punjab to do the same. He also called for South India to be treated similarly to Union Territories and Northeastern states, where the MP-to-population ratio does not strictly follow the national average. "We must stop BJP from implementing unfair delimitation," Reddy concluded.