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KTR Welcomes Delimitation But Warns of Southern States' Disadvantage

BRS Working President KT Rama Rao has welcomed the initiation of the delimitation process while expressing serious concerns. He argues that basing it solely on current population would unfairly penalize southern states that have successfully controlled population growth. KTR advocates for using the proportional framework of the 1971 Census to ensure fairness. He also highlights vast disparities in voter numbers between constituencies, calling it unhealthy for democracy.

Key Points: KTR on Delimitation: Warns Against Penalizing Southern States

  • Welcomes long-pending delimitation process
  • Warns against purely population-based approach
  • Advocates using 1971 Census framework
  • Highlights voter disparity in constituencies
2 min read

KTR welcomes delimitation but warns against population-based disadvantage to southern states

BRS leader KT Rama Rao welcomes delimitation but cautions against a purely population-based approach, arguing it would disadvantage southern states.

"States that have effectively implemented population control measures should not be penalised for their success. - KT Rama Rao"

Hyderabad, March 24

Bharat Rashtra Samithi Working President KT Rama Rao welcomed the long-pending delimitation process but expressed serious concerns over the potential disadvantages to southern states if it is carried out purely on a population basis.

The delimitation involves redrawing Lok Sabha and state assembly constituencies across the country.

KTR stated that delimitation in Telangana should have been conducted in 2014 as per the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act. "Even though it is delayed by over a decade, we welcome the initiation of the process now," he said.

However, he cautioned that if delimitation is based solely on current population figures, it would severely disadvantage southern states.

"Our consistent stand--then and now--is that delimitation should not be based purely on population. Instead, it should follow the same proportional framework adopted earlier, based on the 1971 Census," he emphasised.

KTR pointed out that southern states collectively account for around 24% of representation in Parliament and stressed that this share must not be reduced. "States that have effectively implemented population control measures should not be penalised for their success," he added.

Welcoming the proposal to increase Assembly seats in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, KTR said that greater representation would bring governance closer to the people. He highlighted stark disparities in constituency sizes, noting that while constituencies like Aswaraopet have around 1.3 lakh voters, areas like Serilingampally have nearly 9 lakh voters. "Such vast disparities are not healthy for a functioning democracy," he said.

Reiterating his party's stance, KTR said that BRS supports delimitation but only if it ensures fairness and does not undermine the voice of southern states. "Delimitation must be carried out in a manner that protects the interests of southern India and ensures balanced representation," he concluded.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally some sense! A constituency with 9 lakh voters and another with 1.3 lakh is a joke. How can one MP represent so many people effectively? Delimitation is needed, but it must be fair. 👍
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Aman W
While I understand the concern, we also have to accept that representation should reflect current reality. People move, populations grow. A purely 1971-based system might not be practical today. Need a balanced approach.
S
Sarah B
As an observer, this seems like a classic federal issue. The south contributes significantly to the economy and has managed population growth. Diluting their political voice could create resentment. A tricky but important debate for Indian democracy.
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Vikram M
This is not just about South vs North. It's about rewarding states that followed national policy on population control. If we penalize success, what message are we sending? KTR is right to raise this flag. 🚩
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Nikhil C
Good that he welcomed the process. It's been pending for too long. But his warning is crucial. The central government must handle this with extreme sensitivity to keep the country united. Hope they listen.

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