The Telangana BJP has criticized the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu for organizing a joint meeting on delimitation. They claim it is a conspiracy against reservations for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and women. BJP MP Dr. K Laxman spoke to the media on Friday, explaining that delimitation is a constitutional process mentioned in Articles 81 and 82. It is meant to take place every 20 years to reflect population growth.
Dr. Laxman pointed out that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had frozen the delimitation process through the 42nd Amendment in 1971. This freeze remains in place until 2026. He clarified that delimitation only happens after a population census is conducted. The reservation for women in legislatures, he said, will also be implemented based on this census, leading to an increase in seats for SC and ST representatives.
He criticized Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin for demanding another 50-year freeze on delimitation. According to Dr. Laxman, this would prevent fair representation for SC, ST, and women in legislative bodies. He accused the Congress government of misusing its power in the past by implementing family planning policies irresponsibly. He also blamed both the Congress and DMK for politicizing the delimitation process, which he stressed is a constitutional requirement.
Dr. Laxman reminded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah had assured that no parliamentary seats in Southern states would be reduced. Instead, the number of seats would increase based on population growth.
He alleged that the DMK is losing public support in Tamil Nadu due to its involvement in a liquor scam and its failure to fulfill electoral promises over the last decade. He suggested that people in the state are ready for a change in leadership.
Dr. Laxman further claimed that the DMK is seeking support from parties rejected by voters in the South. He accused Congress MP Rahul Gandhi of directing these alliances to exploit regional sentiments for political gain.
He argued that the Congress has tried to use caste and minority appeasement politics in the last three parliamentary elections but has failed. He claimed that under the DMK’s leadership, Congress is now trying to stir regional emotions. He also alleged that Congress has ties to divisive groups like Khalistani forces and is forming strategic alliances with the BRS, even though they previously opposed each other.
Discussing the political scenario in Southern states, Dr. Laxman noted that the NDA is in power in Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry. In Karnataka, the BJP is in opposition, but he claimed that people are unhappy with the Congress government led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and want a change.
He said the BJP has emerged as a strong alternative in Telangana, securing 35% of the vote and winning eight parliamentary seats soon after Congress came to power there. In Tamil Nadu, he noted that the BJP has independently gained an 11% vote share.
Dr. Laxman asserted that Congress and BRS cannot stop the BJP’s growth and are now aligning with the DMK. However, he expressed confidence that the people of the South can see through these political moves.
Finally, he demanded that Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy call an all-party meeting to discuss Congress’ electoral promises. He warned that the people of Southern states would not support political parties that try to create regional divisions for their own benefit.
