Revanth Reddy Flags Concerns Over Delimitation Plan, Urges Centre to Decouple Women’s Reservation

Revanth Reddy has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing strong reservations over the Centre’s proposed delimitation exercise and the plan to expand the strength of the Lok Sabha based on population.

In his communication, the Telangana Chief Minister outlined the potential political and social implications of the proposal, particularly cautioning against linking constituency delimitation with women’s reservation.

Call to Implement Women’s Reservation Without Delay

While welcoming the proposal for 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures, Reddy argued that tying it to delimitation could unnecessarily delay its implementation.

He urged the Centre to introduce women’s reservation within the existing parliamentary framework, without waiting for a broader reorganisation of constituencies.

Concerns Over Population-Based Seat Expansion

A central issue raised in the letter is the reported plan to increase Lok Sabha seats to around 850 based on population metrics.

Reddy warned that such an approach could disproportionately disadvantage southern states, which have historically implemented effective population control measures. He argued that states adhering to national development priorities should not face reduced political representation as a consequence.

According to the Chief Minister, allocating seats solely on the basis of population risks undermining democratic balance and could distort representation in Parliament.

Implications for Federal Structure

Reddy also highlighted concerns regarding the impact of the proposed changes on India’s federal structure.

He cautioned that an increase in representation for more populous northern states could weaken the political voice of southern states, thereby affecting the balance of power within Parliament.

The Chief Minister further noted that southern states already face challenges in areas such as tax devolution, and warned that additional political imbalance could exacerbate regional disparities.

Proposal for a ‘Hybrid Model’

As an alternative, Reddy proposed a “hybrid model” for seat allocation. Under this framework, half of the seats would be determined by population, while the remaining half would be allocated based on developmental indicators such as economic growth, literacy levels, health outcomes, and overall governance performance.

He argued that such a model would promote equitable representation while also recognising and rewarding states that have made progress in development and population management.

Call for Wider Consultation

Concluding his letter, Reddy urged the Centre to avoid unilateral decisions on a matter of national importance. He called for an all-party consultation to ensure a fair, transparent, and inclusive approach.

Emphasising the importance of cooperative federalism, he stressed that any reform must safeguard national unity while maintaining a balanced representation of all regions.

The Chief Minister’s intervention adds to the growing debate over delimitation and representation, issues that carry significant implications for India’s political landscape. As discussions evolve, the need for consensus-driven decision-making is likely to remain central to the discourse.