The Central Government has taken a key decision regarding the nationwide process of delimitation (redistribution) of Parliamentary and Assembly constituencies. As a result, the number of seats in the Telugu states is set to increase.
TDP, YSRCP, BJD working to reach consensus on these crucial changes
Raja Pentapati
AP Bureau Chief
March 24 | Bharat News
(Google’s Five-Star Rated News Service)
Amaravati: Concerns were raised that if parliamentary seats were increased based on current population figures, it would disadvantage the southern states that have effectively implemented population control measures.
Against this backdrop, it appears that the Central Government has adopted a middle-ground approach by selecting the 2011 census data as the basis for this exercise. Under this delimitation process, the total number of Lok Sabha seats nationwide is set to rise from the current 543 to 816. Furthermore, 273 seats will be allocated to women under the women’s reservation quota.
The Central Government has taken a pivotal decision regarding the nationwide process of redrawing parliamentary and assembly constituencies (delimitation). It has decided to undertake this delimitation exercise using the 2011 census data as the foundational basis.
Concurrently, preparations are underway to implement the long-awaited legislation providing for a 33 percent reservation for women, utilizing this same demographic basis. The Constitutional Amendment Bills required to effectuate these changes are likely to be introduced during the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament.
This decision is expected to significantly alter the political landscape and equations within the Telugu-speaking states as well. In Andhra Pradesh, the number of Lok Sabha seats is projected to increase from the current 25 to approximately 37–38, while the number of Assembly seats is expected to rise from 175 to around 262–263. In Telangana, the number of Lok Sabha seats is set to increase from 17 to 25–26, and the Assembly seats from 119 to 178–179.
It is reported that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has already held consultations with parties such as the TDP, YCP, and BJD to build a consensus regarding these pivotal changes.
The Centre intends to extend the parliamentary sessions until the second week of April, if necessary, to ensure the passage of these bills. An all-party meeting is likely to be convened on Tuesday to elicit the views of all political parties on this matter.
Andhra Pradesh
