Telangana opposes Centre’s move to reduce Parliament seats in South in the name of delimitation

Telangana government opposes Union's move to reduce constituencies in south India, plans all-party meeting for resolution.

The Telangana government has decided to oppose any move by the Union government to reduce the constituencies in south India in the name of delimitation.

The State Cabinet, which met under the chairmanship of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Thursday, held elaborate discussions on the repercussions of the Centre’s moves on the delimitation of the constituencies. The Cabinet discussed the indirect implications of the delimitation process proposed by the BJP-led Union government in south India and decided to reject the proposals.

“We have decided to oppose the Centre’s moves which will result in loss to the southern States, including Telangana. The State Cabinet has resolved to fight against the Centre on the delimitation process as it is harmful to the interests of the State,” Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy said.

The Cabinet resolved to convene an all-party meeting to discuss the Centre’s moves. It was accordingly decided to entrust the responsibility of convening the meeting of all political parties to Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and senior leader K. Jana Reddy. The all-party meeting was intended to pass a resolution opposing the Centre’s moves and preparing a representation seeking pro rata enhancement of seats in the State. “The Government will lead the all party delegation to the Centre to submit the representation,” he said.

The Cabinet discussed the categorisation of the Scheduled Castes and resolved to introduce a Bill in the forthcoming budget session of the legislature. Mr. Srinivas Reddy said the Cabinet had passed the report submitted by Justice Shameem Akhtar and had decided to take steps to ensure that there were no legal implications in the passage of the Act. It was also resolved to introduce separate legislation paving the way for providing 42% reservation to Backward Classes in the local body elections and a similar quota for them in education and employment. The Minister, however, evaded a reply when asked about the date of convening the budget session.