TRS links BJP fortunes to delimitation of seats

The Centre’s ‘no’ to delimitation of Assembly seats in TS and AP has understandably left aspirants dejected.

The governments of the two states had been hoping of a delimitation of Assembly seats in tune with the AP Reorganisation Act.

As per the act, the number of Assembly seats in TS would have to be increased from 119 to 153 and in AP, from 175 to 225.

However, the Centre poured cold water on the desire of the two states.

“Centre says it requires a Constitutional amendment. But when we look at it politically, BJP will not benefit from delimitation in either state. The party is eyeing expansion in TS. When there is no gain for the BJP, why would it want to take up a rigorous exercise of taking up Constitutional amendment and convince the Opposition? I think this could be the reason,” a senior TRS leader told DC.

TS Chief Minister and TRS president K. Chandrasekhar Rao had told ticket aspirants that delimitation will ensure more tickets to party leaders. He also promised filling up nominated posts, and the process has begun.

“It’s certainly a big shock for ticket aspirants. There are two or three leaders in every constituency. Many expected delimitation to ensure tickets for them in 2019 elections. It has come as bolt from the blue. Leaders are quiet dejected,” another senior party leader said.

Delimitation was last done in 2009 and Centre made it clear that it’s due only in 2026 as per Article 170 (3) of the Constitution. Considering the request from TS and AP may trigger similar demands from other states, the Centre fears.

When there is no gain for the BJP, why would the Centre want to bring in a Constitutional amendment and convince the Opposition

— A SENIOR TRS LEADER