Telangana Chief Minister Raises Alarm Over Delimitation Concerns
Hyderabad: In a significant political development, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has called upon the Central government to urgently address the apprehensions voiced by South Indian states regarding potential injustices in the upcoming delimitation exercise. Speaking to reporters at his residence on Monday, the Chief Minister emphasized that the Centre must carefully examine these concerns before they escalate into an unmanageable crisis.
Warning Against Population-Based Delimitation
Revanth Reddy issued a stark warning that conducting the delimitation exercise solely on a population or pro-rata basis would inevitably result in substantial injustice to the southern states. He stressed that an amicable and equitable formula is essential to ensure fair representation for all regions. The Chief Minister specifically appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in this matter proactively, cautioning that delaying action could make the issue too complex for resolution later.
Proposed Solution and Collective Action
To address the imbalance, Revanth Reddy proposed one potential solution: increasing the total number of Lok Sabha constituencies while maintaining the current ratio or gap between the number of parliamentary seats in North and South India. He announced plans to collaborate with other state Chief Ministers, stating that they would collectively determine the future course of action through discussions and consensus-building.
Freeze on District Boundaries Until 2027
The Chief Minister clarified that no new districts can be created, and existing districts cannot be abolished or have their boundaries redrawn until March 31, 2027. This freeze, imposed by the Centre, means that the delimitation exercise will only commence after this date. Consequently, until then, there will be:
- No reorganization of districts
- No delimitation of constituencies
- No abolition or addition of districts
Revanth Reddy confirmed that the number of Lok Sabha and assembly seats in Telangana will increase only after the delimitation process is completed post-2027.
Implications for Upcoming Elections
The Chief Minister highlighted that the next election cycle will be particularly crucial due to two major factors likely to be implemented by the Centre:
- Women's Reservation: The anticipated implementation of women's reservation in legislative bodies.
- One Nation, One Election (ONOE): The potential move toward synchronized national and state elections in 2029.
As a result, Revanth Reddy indicated that the assembly polls in Telangana, originally scheduled for 2028, might be postponed and held concurrently in 2029. This adjustment would align with the broader ONOE initiative, marking a significant shift in the state's electoral timeline.
The Chief Minister's statements underscore the growing regional tensions over representation and the need for careful, inclusive planning in India's democratic processes. His call for dialogue and equitable solutions reflects the broader concerns of southern states seeking to protect their political voice in national affairs.
