Centre’s delimitation exercise spells doom for South India: KT Rama Rao

Calls for immediate resistance; warns that the move would weaken voice of southern States in policy-making and limit access to central funds

Hyderabad: BRS working president KT Rama Rao strongly condemned the Centre’s proposed delimitation exercise, warning that it could spell doom for southern States of India, drastically reducing their political representation in the Parliament. He called for immediate resistance, stating that future generations will not forgive today’s leaders for their silence.

A high-level BRS delegation led by Rama Rao reached Chennai on Friday to participate in a strategic meeting of southern regional parties, hosted by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin. The discussions, scheduled for Saturday, aim to build a collective resistance against the delimitation proposal.

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Speaking to mediapersons in Chennai, Rama Rao reiterated that BRS staunchly opposes the proposal, calling it a politically motivated move that would benefit northern States at the cost of the South. He warned that the move would weaken South India’s voice in policy-making and also limit access to central funds.

He reminded that States like Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh were economic powerhouses, driving India’s economy, yet they are being targeted through political manoeuvring. He cautioned that the delimitation in its current form, will widen the North-South disparities, leading to regional imbalances.

The BRS working president raised concern that South Indian States, which successfully implemented population control policies, are now being penalised while States with unchecked population growth are being rewarded with greater political influence.

“This is a fundamental injustice. Why should responsible States be punished, while others gain undue advantage?” he questioned.

Rama Rao stressed that political differences must be set aside for the larger cause of protecting South India’s representation.

“If we remain silent now, history will not forgive us. The next generation will ask why we did not resist when our rights were being stripped away,” he warned.

He reminded that BRS has always fought for Telangana’s rights, from the statehood movement to ensuring fair policies. “Just as we fought for Telangana’s formation, we will now fight against this unjust delimitation,” he declared.

Beyond politics, Rama Rao also pointed to the economic consequences of delimitation. He warned that a reduction in parliamentary representation,/dan>; India’s bargaining power for funds and projects from the Centre. This could affect infrastructure, investments, and welfare programmes.

“Investors prefer regions with strong political backing, and weakening the South’ influence could deter business growth in the region,’ he noted.

Summing up his stance, Rama Rao asserted, “This fight is not just about BRS or Telangana – it is about the future of South India. If we don’t stand up now, we may never get another chance.”

The meeting is expected to be a landmark gathering, bringing together leaders from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana in a rare show of unity. It is expected to lay out a clear strategy to challenge the delimitation proposal.