Sat Mar 22 09:07:48 UTC 2025: ## Southern States Unite Against Proposed Parliamentary Delimitation

**Chennai, March 22, 2025** – Chief Ministers from Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Punjab, along with Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister, met in Chennai on Saturday to form a Joint Action Committee (JAC) against the proposed delimitation of parliamentary seats by the central government. Telangana Chief Minister K. Revanth Reddy led the charge, demanding an increase in the South’s Lok Sabha representation from the current 24% to 33%.

Reddy argued that the current allocation of 130 seats out of 543 (24%) severely underrepresents the South, reducing its political influence. He accused the BJP of implementing a “demographic penalty,” citing South India’s success in family planning and its superior economic performance compared to some northern states. He highlighted the disparity in central government revenue allocation, claiming that states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka receive significantly less than their contribution, while states like Bihar receive disproportionately more.

Reddy criticized the proposed delimitation based on population, arguing it would punish high-performing Southern states. He cited previous delimitation exercises under Indira Gandhi and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, which did not increase the total number of seats, maintaining a balance of power. He urged Prime Minister Modi to follow suit, rejecting a population-based formula that he believes would favor Northern States and shift the balance of power significantly. The next JAC meeting will be held in Hyderabad.

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