Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy recently accused the BJP of wielding the proposed delimitation exercise as a tool for revenge against the South. He stressed the urgent need for an all-party meeting to discuss the delimitation impact on South India. Speaking at the India Today Conclave 2025, Reddy asserted that the BJP’s aim is to reduce southern representation in Parliament through this adjustment of parliamentary constituencies based on population.
The BJP’s Strategy and Its Consequences
“The BJP has no representation in the South. Thus, it is taking revenge through a weapon called delimitation. The BJP wants to finish the South through this exercise that will benefit only northern states,” the Congress leader stated. This assertion highlights the ongoing tension between the BJP and southern political leaders. Despite the BJP securing its third consecutive term in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, it only managed to win 29 out of 240 seats in the South, underscoring its struggles in this region.
Concerns Over Representation
Reddy aligns with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin’s stance that the delimitation exercise should rely on the 1971 Census. “Family planning implementation was the Centre’s plan. Let the Centre freeze delimitation for the next 30 years and see the growth in population of the Southern states,” he quipped. This statement emphasizes the fear that southern states could lose seats in Parliament, diminishing their voice in national matters.
Statistical Evidence on Delimitation Impact
To further strengthen his argument, Reddy provided a stark comparison, illustrating how increasing Uttar Pradesh’s parliamentary seats by 50% could lead to a total of 120 seats, up from the current 80. “For Tamil Nadu, the number of seats will stand to be 60 if increased on a pro-rata basis. The difference will be 60 seats,” he pointed out. This data underscores the potential imbalance that could arise from the proposed delimitation.
Joint Action Against Delimitation
Reddy’s remarks come at a crucial time when Stalin is intensifying efforts against the Centre’s proposed exercise. Recently, Stalin reached out to chief ministers of seven states, including Reddy, to form a Joint Action Committee (JAC) opposing the delimitation move. This collective response highlights the growing concern among southern leaders regarding the delimitation impact on South India.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, however, has reassured southern states that they won’t lose “even a single seat” following the fresh delimitation of constituencies. The ongoing debate signals a critical juncture in Indian politics, particularly concerning regional representation.
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In summary, the delimitation impact on South India invites significant scrutiny as political leaders rally against perceived threats to their representation. The discourse surrounding this issue will undoubtedly shape the future of southern politics.
