Revanth Reddy opposes population-based delimitation: 'South will lose its political voice'

Reddy termed the proposed changes a "demographic penalty" that would disproportionately affect the southern states.

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, on Saturday, reiterated his strong opposition to population-based delimitation, warning that South India would “lose its political voice” if the exercise is implemented.

Speaking at a high-level meeting of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) on Fair Delimitation in Chennai, Reddy accused the BJP-led central government of using delimitation as a tool to weaken states that have successfully controlled their population. He termed the proposed changes a "demographic penalty" that would disproportionately affect the southern states.

“Today, we have a big challenge facing the country. The BJP is implementing a policy of demographic penalty. We are one country, and we respect that. But we cannot accept this proposed delimitation because it will politically limit us. It will punish us for being performing states. We have to stop the BJP from implementing any unfair delimitation,” Reddy said.

"In case of population-based delimitation, “north will make us secondary citizens. If BJP does delimitation exercise based on population, south India will lose its political voice. South will not accept population-based delimitation,” Reddy remarked.

The Telangana CM further added, “We (South India) achieved the fastest economic growth, higher GDP, higher per capita income, more job creation, better development, and best social welfare. For every Re 1 tax paid by Tamil Nadu, it gets back 6 paise, likewise Karnataka 16 paise, Telangana 42 paise, Kerala 49 paise. But when Bihar Re 1 tax, it gets back Rs 6.6, UP gets Rs 2.2, Madhya Pradesh Rs 1.73. We are one country and we respect it, but we cannot accept this proposed delimitation because it will politically limit us".

His remarks come amid growing concerns that a fresh delimitation exercise, based on future Census data, could reduce the parliamentary representation of states that have effectively implemented population control measures, while benefiting states with higher population growth.

The JAC, which includes representatives from multiple states, adopted a resolution demanding a 25-year extension of the freeze on the number of Parliamentary constituencies based on the 1971 Census. The committee argued that the legislative intent behind the 42nd, 84th, and 87th Constitutional Amendments was to protect and incentivize states that successfully implemented family planning programs.

"The goal of national population stabilization has not yet been achieved, necessitating a continued freeze on seat allocation," the resolution stated.

Earlier, Reddy had alleged that the BJP was “conspiring against the South in the name of delimitation.” While he had initially agreed in principle to attend the JAC meeting, he had sought permission from the AICC leadership before confirming his participation.

With growing opposition from southern leaders, the demand to maintain the existing delimitation freeze is expected to become a key political flashpoint in the coming months.