Telangana CM Accuses BJP of Scheming to Undermine South India
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Synopsis
On Feb 28, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy accused the BJP of plotting to politically and economically undermine South India, citing concerns over parliamentary seat allocation and population-based delimitation.
Key Takeaways
- Revanth Reddy claims BJP's actions threaten South India.
- Criticism of population-based delimitation.
- Call for clarity on increased Lok Sabha seats.
- Warning against punitive measures for population control.
- Reaffirmation of commitment to support Rahul Gandhi.
Hyderabad, Feb 28 (NationPress) Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, on Friday, accused the BJP of conspiring to politically and economically weaken South India.
He also alleged that the BJP was attempting to maintain its power by increasing the number of parliamentary seats from North India and warned that this would precipitate a serious crisis in the country.
He mentioned that the BJP was also planning to do injustice to the South regarding the delimitation of constituencies by conducting the exercise based on population.
He informed media representatives that Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the Parliament seats in South India would not be reduced.
"He did not clarify that the Parliament seats in South India will be increased. The number should rise proportionately. He ought to have mentioned how many seats will be increased," stated Revanth Reddy.
He further urged the BJP to clarify the terms of reference for the delimitation exercise.
"Will it be based on population or on a pro-rata basis? Without specifying this, how can one assert that seats will not be decreased?" he questioned.
The Chief Minister asserted that the BJP was planning to boost Lok Sabha seats for Uttar Pradesh and Bihar just as it diverted funds to those two states.
He claimed that the BJP was plotting against South India as the party has minimal presence in the region.
Revanth Reddy insisted that the Center should articulate the number of Lok Sabha seats it intends to increase and the basis for such an increase.
"If it aims to boost the seats by 50 percent, adjusting the number of seats in Uttar Pradesh from the current 80 to 120, then Telangana's seats should rise to 26 from 17. The increase must be proportionate," he added.
The Chief Minister noted that if population was used as the basis for delimitation, it would severely disadvantage South India.
"It was the Union government that called for population control. The southern states adopted population control, leading to stabilization of their populations. Conversely, the northern states did not implement population control policies, resulting in rapid population growth there," he added.
Revanth Reddy cautioned that if southern states were penalized for population control, it would have dire consequences.
"We will not allow the BJP's conspiracies to continue. We will resist the Union government," he stated.
The Chief Minister also targeted Union Minister for Coal G. Kishan Reddy, reiterating accusations that he obstructed the clearance for the Hyderabad Metro Rail phase-2 project.
"The Centre ridicules the state government for requesting funds for project utilization. Central leaders initiated the Sabarmati, Ganga, and Yamuna river projects. Why shouldn’t we clean the Musi river?" he inquired.
In response to Kishan Reddy’s remarks, Revanth Reddy asserted that they would not submit to his threats.
Accusing the BJP of double standards regarding Muslim reservations, he challenged the party to abolish the four percent reservation for Muslims in Andhra Pradesh, where the NDA is in control. He questioned whether the BJP would eliminate reservations for Backward Class Muslims in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
Revanth Reddy spoke to the media alongside newly appointed AICC in-charge for Telangana, Meenakshi Natarajan, after attending a meeting of the extended executive of the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister urged leaders and party workers to communicate the party programs and government decisions to the populace.
"Dedicated party leaders and activists will be acknowledged. Nominated positions have already been assigned to those who have worked diligently for the party. Some long-serving leaders have not received opportunities. The party has taken responsibility for safeguarding their interests and will prioritize them in the future," he mentioned.
Revanth Reddy also instructed party leaders and cadres that their primary goal is to see Rahul Gandhi become the Prime Minister.
"We must not rest until Rahul Gandhi ascends to the Prime Minister's office," he concluded.
