BRS Leader KT Rama Rao Issues Strong Warning on Delimitation Process
Hyderabad: In a significant political development, BRS working president KT Rama Rao has declared that his party will launch a vigorous agitation if southern states face any injustice or reduction in parliamentary seats during the upcoming delimitation process. Speaking to media representatives, KTR emphasized that the Bharat Rashtra Samithi is prepared to collaborate with other political parties to oppose any unfair treatment in the delimitation exercise.
Unwavering Support for Women's Reservation
KTR made it unequivocally clear that the BRS has consistently supported the Women's Reservation Bill throughout its political journey. He highlighted the party's proven track record of implementing women's empowerment measures during its tenure in government. "Under the leadership of K Chandrasekhar Rao, our government not only supported the Women's Reservation Bill but also passed resolutions in both the legislative assembly and council," KTR stated emphatically.
The BRS leader detailed concrete actions taken by his party's government, including implementing 50% reservation for women in local bodies and ensuring one-third reservation for women in market committees. "These measures demonstrate our unwavering commitment to women's empowerment beyond mere political rhetoric," he asserted.
Clarifying Constitutional Procedures
KTR strongly objected to what he described as unnecessary linkage between women's reservation, delimitation, and constitutional amendments. "Implement women's reservation immediately. There are 543 seats in Parliament—apply it there. In Telangana, there are 119 assembly seats—implement it here as well," he demanded.
The BRS leader clarified that, according to proper constitutional procedure, the sequence must be followed meticulously: first the census, then delimitation, and only thereafter any structural changes to parliamentary representation.
Sharp Criticism of Telangana Chief Minister
Launching a pointed attack on Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, KTR described him as a "hybrid CM" and accused him of political inconsistency. He further criticized the chief minister for exhibiting double standards in governance.
"While procedures are being demanded from others, the same were ignored when proposing the division of Hyderabad into three corporations without consulting GHMC representatives, ZPTC members, or MLAs," KTR pointed out. He added, "You cannot have one policy for yourself and another for others. As a national party, the Congress must speak with clarity and responsibility instead of making contradictory statements."
Longstanding Concerns About Southern Representation
KTR revealed that the BRS has been raising concerns about delimitation and representation since 2022–23. He warned that using population as the sole basis for increasing parliamentary seats would unfairly penalize southern states that have successfully implemented family planning measures.
The BRS leader recalled that the freeze on parliamentary seats introduced in 1971 was based on population control considerations. "Over the past five decades, southern states have diligently followed national family planning policies. Are you now going to penalize us for following national policy?" he questioned passionately.
KTR highlighted that southern India currently accounts for approximately 24% of representation in the Lok Sabha, and he insisted that this proportion must be protected at all costs. "We will not accept any reduction in our rightful representation," he declared firmly, signaling the BRS's readiness for political confrontation if southern interests are compromised during delimitation.
