The YSR Congress Party has expressed approval of the delimitation process in the Lok Sabha but insists that the Union Government’s commitment should be formally integrated into the Bill. YSRCP MP P. V. Midhun Reddy, addressing the Lok Sabha, appreciated Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s pledge for a proportional seat increase based on states’ current representation. However, Reddy emphasized the necessity of transforming this verbal assurance into a legal provision within the legislation.
Highlighting the unfulfilled promises made during Andhra Pradesh’s bifurcation, Reddy stressed the importance of avoiding a similar scenario by enshrining the present commitment in the Bill. He urged for the acceptance of an amendment aligning with the assurance to ensure its binding nature. Reddy also underlined the need for maintaining equitable representation within states post-delimitation, echoing the criteria applied at the national level for seat adjustments.
Expressing reservations about the composition of the Delimitation Commission, Reddy cautioned against potential biases if opposition parties are not adequately represented. He called for safeguards in the Bill to guarantee fair participation for all political factions. Reddy advocated for delimitation to serve as a unifying process rather than a tool for marginalizing opposition voices.
Regarding women’s reservation, Reddy reiterated his party’s staunch advocacy for gender equality. He commended former Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s initiatives, including significant women’s representation in local governance and welfare programs. Reddy demanded stringent laws to safeguard women’s rights, citing instances of harassment involving certain Andhra Pradesh MLAs and emphasizing the need for accountability and justice.
