Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], March 22 : Opposing the current form of the delimitation process, Telangana Congress President Bomma Maheshkumar Goud said on Saturday that southern states should not be penalized for successfully implementing the Population Policy of 1976.
"We strongly oppose the current form of the delimitation process. We are the states that have successfully implemented the Population Policy of 1976, which has led to a significant reduction in our population. For this, we should not be punished. This is nothing but a penalty for the successful implementation of the population policy," he said.
He further added, "Due to this, our population has decreased, whereas in states where the policy was not effectively implemented, the population has increased. If delimitation is carried out solely based on population, it will undoubtedly suppress the prospects of the southern states."
Bomma added that a public meeting would be held on the issue of delimitation in the first week of April. "We have voiced our strong opposition, and Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has decided to convene another conclave, along with a massive public meeting in April. We have tentatively planned to hold this eye-opening public meeting in the first week of April, which will send a strong message to the Union Government," Bomma said.
Earlier in the day, the Joint Action Committee on delimitation after the first meeting held, unanimously adopted the resolution which asserts that "any delimitation exercise carried out by the Centre should be done "transparently" and after discussion and deliberation with all stakeholders.
Addressing a press conference, DMK MP Kanizmozhi stated that the JAC has expressed its deep concern about the lack of "transparency and clarity" in the delimitation exercise without any consultation with the various stakeholders.
Kanizmozhi said, "I would like to read the resolution which has been passed today. The JAC (Joint Action Committee) expressed its deep concern about the lack of transparency and clarity in the delimitation exercise without any consultation with the various stakeholders. The JAC expressed its appreciation to the CM of Tamil Nadu for taking up this initiative to safeguard the political and economic future of performing states in India. Based on the various points and scenarios put forth by representatives during the discussion, the JAC unanimously resolved that Any Delimitation exercise carried out by the Union Government to improve the content or character of our democracy should be carried out transparently enabling political parties of all states, state governments and other stakeholders to deliberate, discuss and contribute."
"Given the fact that the legislative intent behind the 42nd, 84th and 87th Constitutional amendment wants to protect and incentivise states which had implemented population control measures effectively and the goal of national population stabilisation has not yet been achieved. The freeze on parliamentary constituency based on 1971 census population should be extended by another 25 years..." she added.