Delimitation Will Hurt Southern States, Warns Congress Leader; Demands Immediate Women’s Quota

Proddatur – Andhra Pradesh: Alleging that the Centre is delaying women’s political representation, Proddatur Congress Party In-charge Irfan Basha has criticized the move to link the Women’s Reservation Bill with the delimitation process. Addressing a press conference in Proddatur, he demanded immediate implementation of 33% reservation for women within the existing parliamentary seats, warning that delimitation based on population could disadvantage southern states.

• ‘Reservation can be implemented immediately’

Irfan Basha, Congress Party In-charge for Proddatur constituency, said the Women’s Reservation Bill—passed in 2023—can be implemented without delay.

“If the government is sincere about women’s empowerment, it can introduce 33% reservation within the current 543 Lok Sabha seats. All parties will support it,” he said.

• Allegation of political delay strategy*

Irfan accused the Centre of intentionally linking the bill with delimitation to postpone its implementation.

He pointed out that the proposed sequence—census, followed by delimitation, and then reservation—is a political tactic aimed at delaying women’s representation.

• Concerns over ‘bundled’ legislative approach*

The Congress leader also criticized the attempt to pass multiple amendments—related to delimitation, Union Territories, and IT matters—alongside the Women’s Reservation Bill.

“This approach exposes the intent to push several measures together in a single vote,” he alleged.

• Special majority and political calculations*

He questioned the introduction of the bill without the required two-thirds special majority, suggesting it was done for political mileage.

“The strategy is to claim credit if passed, and blame the opposition if it fails,” he said.

• Delimitation and southern states’ concerns

Highlighting historical context, Irfan noted that parliamentary seat allocation was frozen in 1976 under Indira Gandhi and extended until 2026 by Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

He warned that delimitation based on population could reduce representation for southern states such as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala—despite their progress in population control and economic contribution.

• ‘Development should not be penalised’

According to Irfan, southern states contribute nearly 30% to the national GDP while comprising about 20% of the population.

“Delimitation would reward states with higher population growth and penalize those that focused on development and population control,” he said.

• Political implications raised

The Congress leader cautioned that such changes could create long-term political imbalances, potentially benefiting certain regions and parties disproportionately.

• Support for women’s reservation, opposition to delay

Clarifying his party’s stand, Irfan said the Congress fully supports women’s reservation but opposes linking it to delimitation.

“Our demand is clear—implement 33% reservation immediately within existing seats,” he said.

• Criticism of BJP and appeal to voters

He also criticized the Centre over its record on women’s safety, stating that a government unable to curb crimes against women lacks credibility on empowerment issues.

Irfan expressed confidence that voters, especially women, would see through political strategies and make informed choices.

• Congress reiterates development agenda

Emphasizing the Congress party’s legacy, he highlighted its contributions in sectors such as agriculture, education, employment, and welfare.

He urged leaders to hold the Centre accountable rather than supporting policies that, he claimed, undermine regional balance.

(Source: IAIJ/BIN/DPJB)