Telangana Assembly opposes delimitation

Hyderabad:The Telangana Legislative Assembly on Thursday passed a resolution opposing the Centre’s proposal to carry out delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies solely based on population figures.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy moved the resolution in the House, expressing strong concern over its potential impact on the southern states and calling for a united stand against what he termed an "unjust and opaque" process.

The resolution also reiterated Telangana’s long-standing demand for an increase in the number of Assembly seats from 119 to 153, as assured under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.

Addressing the House, Reddy criticised the Centre for not conducting transparent consultations with stakeholders regarding the delimitation process. “It is a matter of deep concern that the impending delimitation exercise is being planned without proper consultation. We must resist any move that undermines the southern states,” he said.

The Chief Minister warned that a population-based delimitation could reduce south’s representation in the Lok Sabha from the current 24 per cent to 19 per cent. He pointed out that the southern states, including Telangana, had strictly implemented family planning policies, resulting in lower population growth compared to northern states—a factor that could now work against them.

He invoked former prime minister Indira Gandhi’s stance on the issue, noting her concerns that population-based delimitation could strain inter-state relations.

“There’s a reason previous governments chose to amend laws to delay this. But now, a renewed debate has begun, leaving the southern states in a state of uncertainty,” he said.

Revanth Reddy alleged that the Centre was using delimitation as a political tool to assert control over the south.

“This is not just about politics—it’s about protecting the federal spirit and equitable representation,” he declared, urging all political parties to rise above partisan lines and mount pressure on the Centre.

He also announced plans to convene an all-party meeting under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka and senior Congress leader K. Jana Reddy to discuss a joint strategy against delimitation. “If necessary, we will take the path of struggle,” he added.

Reddy accused the Centre of displaying double standards, pointing out that while Telangana was told in Parliament that delimitation would occur only after the 2026 census, the Centre had already increased Assembly constituencies in Jammu & Kashmir based on the 2011 census and allowed the process to begin in Sikkim following a 2018 Cabinet resolution.

“The Union Government is discriminating against us,” he said. “I am moving this resolution to expose the BRS maladministration, safeguard the rights of Telangana and southern states.”