Amaravati( Andhra Pradesh) Apr18 (TNT): Leaders from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana on Friday criticised opposition parties for blocking the proposed Delimitation and Constitutional Amendment Bill, calling it ‘ detrimental to national interest and federal balance’.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu termed the move a “great disservice to the nation,” warning that with the freeze under Article 81 set to end after the first Census post-2026, parliamentary seat distribution would be determined purely on population.
He said this could lead to a sharp decline in representation for southern, north-eastern and smaller states.
Naidu stated that the NDA’s proposal aimed to safeguard federal balance, protect equitable representation, and ensure 33% reservation for women in legislatures.
He added that states performing well on development indicators should not be penalised in the democratic framework.
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan said the opposition had blocked a historic opportunity to strengthen women’s representation.
He accused them of prioritising political considerations over inclusive governance and reform.
Kalyan expressed support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that the bill could have marked a significant step toward gender justice and democratic strengthening.
Telangana IT Minister N. Lokesh said the opposition’s stand amounted to a betrayal of South India, the North-East and smaller states. He warned that without the proposed changes, post-2026 representation would be driven solely by population, disadvantaging states that followed population control measures.
Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSRCP chief Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy also criticised the development, questioning the outcome of the opposition’s stance. He said the situation neither benefits southern states nor advances women’s reservation, and warned that the region could face further reduction in representation after the next Census.
TNT KM
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