Bengaluru, April 7 (NationPress) The anticipated delimitation of Lok Sabha and Assembly constituencies is set to not only reduce representation in southern states but also impose significant financial burdens on them, asserted former Congress MP D.K. Suresh on Tuesday. He claimed that tax revenues harvested from the southern region would be reallocated to northern states.

Speaking to reporters at his residence in Bengaluru, Suresh, who also serves as the President of the Bengaluru Urban, Rural and Ramanagara District Co-operative Milk Producers’ Societies Union Ltd. (Bamul) and is the younger sibling of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, reiterated his prior warnings that delimitation would lead to inequity for southern states.

“It's time for southern states to take notice. I have previously indicated that this concern would manifest eventually... otherwise, there may be calls for alternative measures. The number of seats lost or gained is not the sole concern,” he stated.

In response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s claim that southern states would not face a loss of seats due to delimitation, Suresh expressed his disagreement, emphasizing that the initiative would be detrimental to the region.

“This seems to be an effort to transfer resources from the southern states to their northern counterparts,” he alleged.

Suresh further criticized the government's reliance on the 2011 Census for delimitation decisions. “The 2011 Census indicated Bengaluru's population at approximately 60-70 lakh, but it has now surged to around 1.4 crore. Similarly, Karnataka's population has escalated from about 5 crore to over 7 crore. This demographic shift will present numerous challenges, especially economic ones. All political parties should engage in discussions regarding this issue,” he remarked.

Touching upon the ongoing conflict in West Asia, Suresh pointed out that the nation is navigating multiple challenges, yet the Central government has remained silent. “While the Prime Minister engages with citizens on various occasions, neither he nor any Union Minister has outlined how the public should approach the current circumstances. The Prime Minister must take accountability and provide direction on the necessary actions for the upcoming six months,” he asserted.

He noted that the media's portrayal of normalcy raises skepticism among citizens. “Prices are soaring, and shortages are emerging. The Central government needs to clarify whether these issues are artificially induced or stem from other causes and should issue clear advisories,” he insisted.

When questioned about Home Minister G. Parameshwara’s assertion that Siddaramaiah will serve as Chief Minister for the next two years, Suresh replied, “You must direct that question to him. He has made an official declaration, and it should be interpreted as such.”

Regarding his previous comments expressing hope for his brother to become Chief Minister, Suresh stated, “We can discuss that later. While I haven't dismissed such an aspiration, I also haven't claimed it will happen immediately.”

On the upcoming by-elections, he expressed confidence that Congress would secure both seats, stating, “We have successfully implemented guarantee schemes and have met developmental needs in those areas. There will be no issues,” refuting rumors of a potential defeat in Bagalkot as mere speculation.

As for his involvement in political activities, he confirmed his ongoing engagement. Concerning the anticipated cabinet reshuffle, he mentioned that discussions would proceed after the by-elections and that he is presently tasked with responsibilities related to the Tamil Nadu elections.

When asked about the death penalty imposed on Tamil Nadu Police personnel, he opted not to comment.