CM Revanth Reddy calls for collective action

metro india news  I hyderabad

The Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, representing the Congress party, participated in the all-party meeting convened by Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin in Chennai to discuss the critical issue of delimitation. Expressing gratitude to CM Stalin for bringing leaders together, Revanth Reddy strongly opposed the BJP-led central government's proposed delimitation process, calling it a "demographic penalty" against South Indian states and Punjab.

He highlighted that states like Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala, which have excelled in economic growth, infrastructure, and governance, are being unfairly penalized despite their significant contributions to the national exchequer.

Revanth Reddy emphasized that the South will not accept a population-based delimitation that would diminish its political voice in Parliament, allowing northern states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan to dominate decision-making.

He proposed that the delimitation process should not increase the number of Lok Sabha seats but instead focus on adjusting constituencies within states, ensuring fair representation for SC, ST, and women candidates.  He urged all southern states and Punjab to unite against this move, calling for a national discussion on the issue.

The meeting saw the participation of key political leaders, including Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, and Karnataka Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar. Congress leaders such as TPCC Chief Mahesh Kumar Goud and Nagarkurnool MP Mallu Ravi, BRS Working President K T Rama Rao, senior leaders B Vinod Kumar, KR Suresh Reddy were also present, along with representatives from various regional parties from different states. The gathering underscored the collective resolve of South Indian states and Punjab to resist any unfair delimitation process that would weaken their political representation.

As a way forward, Revanth Reddy suggested following the Vajpayee-era approach—delimitation within states without increasing seats for another 25 years. Furthermore, he demanded an exemption for South India, similar to what is granted to Union Territories and northeastern states, ensuring fair representation in Parliament. Stressing that anything less than 33% of Lok Sabha seats for the South would weaken its political influence, he warned against reducing the region to a mere spectator in national politics.

Revanth Reddy also announced that he would soon pass a resolution in the Telangana Assembly opposing the proposed delimitation and urged other states to do the same. He invited all leaders to Hyderabad for the next all-party meeting to continue the fight against this unfair policy and strategize further actions.