Jagan Appeals to PM Modi to Safeguard State Representation in Parliament Amid Delimitation
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Synopsis
YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy urges Prime Minister Modi to ensure that the delimitation process does not reduce any state’s representation in Parliament. He highlights the potential impact on southern states and seeks caution in the exercise to maintain political harmony.
Key Takeaways
- Jagan Mohan Reddy writes to PM Modi.
- Delimitation should not reduce state representation.
- Concerns over southern states losing seats.
- Article 81(2)(a) of the Constitution referenced.
- Potential disruption of social harmony.
New Delhi, March 22 (NationPress) YSRCP leader Jagan Mohan Reddy on Saturday sent a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting that the delimitation process be executed in a way that ensures no state experiences a decrease in its representation (number of seats) in Parliament.
In his letter, he emphasized that the delimitation exercise will significantly influence the political representation of various states in law-making and policy decisions, while also impacting the sentiments of large segments of the population across the country. The former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh insisted that caution must be exercised during this process.
He expressed concerns that numerous states, particularly those in the south, are apprehensive about a potential decline in their representation if the delimitation is based on current population figures.
"I would like to draw your attention to the considerable risk of diminishing southern states' involvement in national policy-making and the legislative process if the delimitation is conducted according to the population statistics as they stand today," the letter stated from the YSRCP chief.
While appreciating Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his commitment to ensure that the delimitation process considers the equitable increase of all states' seats, the former Chief Minister referenced constitutional barriers to such flexibility.
"According to Article 81(2)(a) of the Constitution, each State shall be allocated a number of seats in the House of the People in a manner that the ratio between that number and the population of the State remains, as far as practicable, consistent across all States," the letter noted.
Jagan asserted that this matter has the potential to "disrupt" the social and political harmony within the nation, urging PM Modi to provide guidance and assurance to address the concerns of the southern states.
Notably, DMK chief and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, during an all-party meeting in Chennai, insisted that the 1971 Census should be the foundation for seat allocation through delimitation, arguing that the existing demographic differences between the North and South could lead to a loss of several parliamentary seats.
