Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy penned an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging for a national, political agreement on boosting Lok Sabha seats and promptly implementing women’s reservation without tying it to seat increments. Reddy emphasized that the issues of women’s reservations, national delimitation, and Lok Sabha seat increase are distinct and should not be confused. He highlighted Congress’ full support for the Women’s Reservation Bill and called for its immediate enactment for both Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
Reddy addressed the topic of national delimitation, noting that while delimitations have occurred previously without altering seat numbers, the country can undergo such a process without increasing seats. He stressed that the contentious matter revolves around the proposal to raise Lok Sabha seats to 850 using a pro rata basis. Reddy reiterated the separation of these issues and expressed concerns over the potential risks associated with increasing seats based on a pro rata model, particularly for southern states.
The Chief Minister cautioned against a seat increase solely on a pro rata basis, emphasizing the need to consider economic contributions and human development outcomes. He argued that such a move could lead to a significant imbalance in the country’s federal structure. Reddy highlighted the efforts of southern states in areas like population stabilization and public health, underscoring their contributions to India’s progress. He raised apprehensions about the proposed systemic shift in political power and the potential marginalization of southern states in Parliament.
Reddy emphasized the unacceptability of the pro rata model to the people and governments of southern India, calling for a just and sustainable solution. He proposed a hybrid model that balances representation with contributions as a potential alternative. Reddy suggested a division of the new Lok Sabha seats, with half allocated based on a pro rata approach and the remaining half dependent on economic contributions and performance criteria. He urged PM Modi to convene an all-party meeting promptly to discuss these issues transparently and inclusively.
