Hyderabad: Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K. T. Rama Rao has warned of “severe protests” if any move is made to alter the current share of parliamentary seats allotted to South Indian states during the proposed delimitation exercise.
Addressing party leaders and speaking to the media, KTR expressed strong opposition to any population-based redrawing of parliamentary constituencies that could reduce the political representation of southern states in the Lok Sabha. He argued that such a step would be “unfair and deeply damaging” to India’s federal structure, especially for states like Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
His remarks come amid growing political debate over the upcoming delimitation process, which is expected to be undertaken after the next population census. The exercise, mandated by the Constitution, involves redrawing constituency boundaries and potentially reallocating the number of seats in Parliament based on population changes.
KTR alleged that states in South India, which have successfully controlled population growth through better education and welfare policies, should not be penalised for their achievements. He said that any reduction in their parliamentary representation would weaken their voice in national decision-making and create a “serious imbalance” in federal politics.
He further stated that if the Centre proceeds with what he described as an “unjust formula,” the BRS and other regional parties would mobilise public resistance. “We will not remain silent if South India’s political strength is reduced. There will be massive protests across the region,” he warned.
Political observers note that concerns over delimitation have already sparked debate among several southern parties, who fear that states with lower population growth rates may lose parliamentary influence compared to northern states.
KTR also called for a national-level consensus before implementing any changes to seat distribution. He urged the central government to ensure that states which have performed better on development and population control are not disadvantaged in the process.
The issue has now emerged as a significant political flashpoint, with regional parties demanding safeguards for proportional representation and constitutional fairness. As discussions around delimitation gain momentum, further political confrontation between the Centre and southern states appears likely in the coming months.
