Political Showdown: Delimitation Debate in Tamil Nadu

Marri Shashidhar Reddy, a Telangana BJP leader, responded to Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin's protest against the delimitation bill, claiming it was aimed at gaining electoral favor. Reddy praised the proposal to maintain seat allocation while adding seats for women's reservation, countering allegations of bias against southern states.

In a heated political exchange, Telangana BJP leader Marri Shashidhar Reddy criticized Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin for his protest against the delimitation bill. Reddy claimed Stalin's actions were calculated to sway voters ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.

Reddy highlighted an all-party meeting in Chennai last year, where leaders, including Stalin, asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to assure the continuity of the 1971 census-based Lok Sabha seat allocation. However, the current proposal is not about changing existing allocations but adding 50 percent more seats in every state to promote women's reservation.

Reddy, embracing his Southern Indian identity, welcomed the central government's stance to preserve existing seat numbers while facilitating a 33 percent quota for women. He lauded PM Modi's statesmanship and dismissed accusations of discrimination against the southern regions.

(With inputs from agencies.)