CPI(M) slams TDP, YSRCP over silence on delimitation issue

The CPI(M) on Friday criticised the TDP and YSRCP for remaining silent on the proposed delimitation exercise, alleging that it would lead to “serious injustice” to Andhra Pradesh and weaken the principle of social justice.

Addressing the media, CPI(M) State secretary V. Srinivasa Rao said linking the women’s reservation Bill with delimitation would adversely affect Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and southern States that have effectively controlled population growth. He alleged that both the TDP and YSRCP failed to raise the issue in Parliament and called their silence a “betrayal of public trust.”

He noted that several southern States, including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and Telangana, had already opposed delimitation, while MPs from Andhra Pradesh had not taken a clear stand. He warned that continued silence could weaken the State’s political representation in the future.

CPI(M) Central Committee member D. Ramadevi criticised the Centre for not consulting political parties and State governments on the women’s reservation Bill. She alleged that the BJP had delayed implementation of the law passed in 2023 by linking it to the Census and delimitation exercises.

The leaders argued that reliance on the 2011 Census would distort representation, particularly for SCs and STs, whose population has since increased. They demanded immediate implementation of 33 per cent reservation for women without linking it to delimitation and called for broad consultations before any restructuring of constituencies.

They urged the Centre to withdraw the delimitation proposal and ensure a transparent process that protects the interests of all States.