Telangana Chief Minister warns of reduced representation for southern states, calls for wider consultations and a balanced approach
April 14, 2026: A. Revanth Reddy on Tuesday intensified his criticism of the Centre over the proposed delimitation exercise, warning that it could lead to “injustice” for women, SCs, and STs in southern states. Speaking at an event marking the birth anniversary of B. R. Ambedkar, he argued that increasing parliamentary seats on a pro rata basis could disproportionately benefit northern states such as Uttar Pradesh, while reducing representation for states like Telangana and others in the south.
Reddy said that although he acknowledges the potential gains in representation for marginalised communities in northern states, the same could result in losses for similar groups in the south, especially given their success in population control. He questioned whether southern states should be penalised for adhering to national population policies and called for a broader political movement to ensure fair representation. He also proposed a “hybrid” model for delimitation, combining population-based allocation with economic indicators such as Gross State Domestic Product.
The Chief Minister further used the occasion to highlight his government’s efforts towards inclusive governance, contrasting them with the previous administration led by the Bharat Rashtra Samithi. He emphasised increased representation for SCs, STs, and backward classes in his Cabinet and government initiatives. As the debate deepens, the delimitation issue is emerging as a major political flashpoint, with opposition leaders demanding wider consultations before any decision is finalised.