New Delhi: Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has strongly opposed the delimitation process proposed by the BJP-led central government, alleging that it is designed to weaken the political influence of southern states. Speaking at the India Today Conclave, he criticized the BJP for using constituency redistribution as a tool for political gain and demanded an all-party meeting to discuss the issue.
Revanth Reddy pointed out that despite securing a third consecutive term at the Centre, the BJP remains weak in southern India, winning only 29 out of 240 seats in the region. He noted that the party does not govern any southern state and plays only a minor role in Andhra Pradesh. He alleged that the BJP is seeking revenge on the south by altering constituency boundaries in a way that would favor northern states.
Highlighting concerns over the impact of delimitation, he stated that southern states have successfully implemented family planning measures, as advised by the Centre. However, if seats are allocated purely based on population growth, states like Uttar Pradesh could see their parliamentary representation increase from 80 to 120, while Tamil Nadu’s seats may rise only from 39 to 60. He warned that this imbalance would not only harm southern states but also affect northern regions like Punjab, while disproportionately benefiting states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.
Revanth Reddy called for postponing the delimitation process by another 30 years, urging a fair approach that does not penalize states that have controlled their population growth. He emphasized the need for national consensus and urged all political parties to unite in opposing the BJP’s proposed changes.
