Telangana Assembly Passes Resolution Against Population-Based Delimitation, Calls for Transparency
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Synopsis
The Telangana Assembly has adopted a resolution opposing the population-based delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies, highlighting concerns over representation loss and urging the Central Government for transparent consultations.
Key Takeaways
- Telangana Assembly opposes population-based delimitation.
- Chief Minister calls for unity among political parties.
- Resolution urges consultations with all stakeholders.
- Accusations of discrimination against Southern states.
- Proposal to increase Telangana Assembly seats from 119 to 153.
Hyderabad, March 27 (NationPress) The Telangana Assembly on Thursday adopted a resolution opposing the delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies based on population metrics.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy introduced the resolution, emphasizing that the risk of reducing the South's representation from 24 percent to 19 percent is significant if population is used as the primary criterion for delimitation.
The resolution urged the Central Government to conduct delimitation only after thorough consultations with all state governments and political parties.
CM Revanth Reddy called for a unified stance from all political entities, asserting that a population-based delimitation would politically disadvantage the southern states.
He alleged that one political party is attempting to consolidate power at the Centre by increasing seats in North India.
He encouraged all political factions to prioritize this issue and exert pressure on the government.
“We must collectively oppose the Centre if the Southern states face injustice in this delimitation process. The Southern states have effectively implemented family planning, and they will suffer the consequences if population is the sole basis for delimitation,” he stated.
He recalled that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi warned that basing delimitation on population would jeopardize friendly relations among states. He noted that renewed discussions on population-based delimitation are raising concerns among Southern states.
Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar announced the resolution's passage through a voice vote, despite some members wishing to voice their opinions.
“This House expresses its deep concern regarding the manner in which the impending delimitation exercise is being organized without transparent consultations with all stakeholders. We urge that any delimitation be conducted transparently and after comprehensive consultations with state governments, political parties, and stakeholders,” the resolution states.
“States that have effectively implemented the population control initiatives instituted by the Centre, and whose population share has consequently decreased, should not be penalized; thus, population should not be the exclusive standard for delimitation.”
“It should be recognized that the objectives behind the 42nd, 84th, and 87th Constitutional amendments aimed at national population stabilization are yet to be realized. Therefore, while maintaining the freeze on the number of Parliamentary seats, redrawing the boundaries of Parliamentary constituencies should be considered, along with increasing representation for SC and ST categories based on the latest population figures, and providing reservations for women,” it further stated.
The resolution also requested the Centre to expand the number of seats in the Telangana Assembly from 119 to 153.
“Additionally, the House resolves that to enhance representative democracy, the Assembly's seat count should be promptly increased from 119 to 153 in accordance with the A.P. Reorganization Act, 2014, and the latest census data. This House urges the Union Government to facilitate necessary Constitutional amendments for this purpose,” the resolution stated.
The Chief Minister accused the Union government of bias against the state. CM Revanth Reddy, previously a member of the Lok Sabha, pointed out that the Centre had indicated that delimitation of Assembly constituencies would only proceed after the 2026 census.
He criticized the Centre for its inconsistent stance on this matter. He noted that the Centre amended the Constitution and raised the number of Assembly constituencies from 83 to 90 based on the 2011 census in Jammu and Kashmir. In Sikkim, a resolution was passed in the Cabinet in 2018, and the delimitation process is currently active.
The CM stated that he is presenting this resolution to highlight the Centre's double standards. “Let us convene with the Central government regarding delimitation to ensure our interests are safeguarded. We may need to engage in collective action if necessary,” he urged.
The Chief Minister announced that a meeting with all parties will soon be arranged, led by Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka and senior leader K. Jana Reddy. He encouraged all parties to participate in this meeting.
