population-based delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies is unjust to south: Telangana CM

Telangana Chief Minister, A. Revanth Reddy, on Monday said that population-based delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies is unjust to southern and smaller states in the country. He warned that this move would weaken the country in the long run. The delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies is now at the centre of a growing delimitation controversy in India, especially among southern states seeking fair representation.

Delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies debate intensifies

In a social media post addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister said that national interest must be above any party interest.

“It is clear to every citizen that women’s reservation (which everybody supports), and Delimitation of Lok Sabha seats (on which there are many concerns), are different. For example, if women quota is implemented immediately for state-wise Assembly seats, entire country will welcome it,” posted the Congress leader.

“Using women’s reservation as a red herring, attempts to push a population-based national Delimitation of Lok Sabha may serve the BJP in a very short run, but if it is unjust to Southern and smaller states, it will weaken our country in the long run. National interest must be above any party interest,” he said. This Telangana CM delimitation statement adds to the ongoing Lok Sabha delimitation debate in India.

Alternatives to delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies suggested

Revanth Reddy stated that in the larger and long-term view, models other than simple pro-rata for Lok Sabha delimitation be considered. “Here, I share one such potential models for your consideration. Kindly ensure we build a national consensus, starting with an all party view instead of pushing this significant policy in an unfair way,” reads the post.

The Chief Minister posted a Telugu newspaper report about the proposal for GSDP-based delimitation, which links representation to economic performance instead of only population.

GSDP-based delimitation and Lok Sabha seats increase

Under this proposal, states with good economic performance will see a significant jump in the number of their Lok Sabha seats. States like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Kerala will benefit, if the GSDP-based delimitation model is adopted. This model directly impacts Lok Sabha seats increase in southern states and is being discussed as an alternative in the delimitation controversy in India.

Under this model, the Lok Sabha seats in Telangana may go up from 17 to 30. Such proposals aim to build a national consensus on delimitation while ensuring southern states representation is not weakened.

Block A (south+west) and block B (remaining states) will get an equal additional seats of 136 each.

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Telangana Assembly resolution opposes delimitation based on population, seeks transparency

Delimitation is going to be limitation for the South: Telangana CM