Southern States Raise Concerns Over Delimitation Process, Seek Equal Representation
Widespread concern has emerged across southern states regarding the delimitation process, which involves the redrawing of parliamentary constituencies based on the latest census data. There is growing fear that this process could disproportionately increase the number of Lok Sabha seats in northern states, potentially leading to a significant imbalance in parliamentary representation that would disadvantage southern states.
YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) chief Jagan Mohan Reddy has formally expressed his concerns by writing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In his letter, Reddy highlighted that, according to the current population figures, the southern states’ representation in Parliament would inevitably decline if the delimitation process proceeds as proposed. He warned that this would lead to an inequitable distribution of parliamentary seats, undermining the voice and influence of southern states in national decision-making.
Reddy called on the central government to ensure that the delimitation process does not solely rely on population figures. He argued that such an approach would unfairly reduce southern states’ representation in the Lok Sabha. The YSRCP leader stressed the importance of preserving equal representation for all states to maintain fairness and equity in the democratic process.
Reddy specifically requested that the number of parliamentary seats allocated to southern states should not be reduced and insisted that the delimitation exercise should not come at the expense of any state’s representation.
In parallel, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has convened an all-party meeting in Chennai to discuss the issue further and formulate a collective stance against the potential adverse impacts of the delimitation process. Following Jagan Mohan Reddy’s request, Y.V. Subba Reddy conveyed the contents of the letter to the leadership of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), further fueling opposition to the proposed changes.
As the delimitation process continues to be a subject of intense scrutiny, the debate over fair representation in Parliament is likely to intensify. Southern leaders are united in their demand for a balanced approach that does not undermine their states’ voices in the legislative process.
