Hyderabad, Sep 26: Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president, K. T. Rama Rao, issued a stark warning on Tuesday, stating that a significant Southern uprising could occur if the representation of South Indians in Parliament diminishes due to proposed delimitation based on population.
Emphasizing that the Southern states should not be penalized for their effective population control measures, undertaken on the advice of the Government of India and in the national interest, KTR asserted that people from South India, transcending political affiliations, will unite to voice their concerns.
KTR revealed that the BRS, in collaboration with like-minded parties, will spearhead discussions on the proposed delimitation and communicate the sentiments of the Southern states to the Indian government.
The BRS leader referred to Hyderabad MP and AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi’s remark that South India is sitting on a “powder keg” regarding delimitation. KTR stated, “If you think you will suppress our voices and our representation in Parliament because of this delimitation, because of the population parameters you are taking, then I will promise you, you will see a Southern uprising because this is unfair. This is extremely unjust because it was the Government of India that wanted Indians to control their population.”
Commenting on the reported projection of parliamentary seats after delimitation, he expressed concern, saying, “What will be more atrocious is that two states, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, after delimitation, will together have more MPs than the entire Southern India.”
KTR highlighted that states that have excelled in population control, following the Government of India’s advice, are now facing penalties. He emphasized the need for wisdom, citing the South’s significant contribution to India’s economy, stating, “The South is the largest contributor to India’s economy. Nineteen percent of the population is contributing nearly 35 percent of India’s GDP.”
He also pointed out the contradiction in the government’s approach, mentioning that India once campaigned vigorously to curb population growth and now celebrates it as a demographic dividend. Southern states, he noted, succeeded in family planning and population control based on the Government of India’s guidance. However, today, they find themselves at a disadvantage due to population-based representation.
KTR concluded by asserting that people and political parties in South India, irrespective of their affiliations, will unite to voice their concerns. He urged authorities in Delhi to take heed of their grievances and act accordingly.
