Andhra Pradesh is the only southern state that was left out at the first anti-BJP conclave of the opposition parties after 2024 Lok Sabha polls, hosted by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin in Chennai on Saturday.
Chief ministers of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana and Punjab, the deputy chief minister of Karnataka and the representatives of 23 political parties from eight states came together to oppose the proposed delimitation process.
As India approaches the 2026 delimitation exercise, intended to redraw electoral boundaries based on updated population data, a notable silence from Andhra Pradesh’s ruling alliance has become a focal point of discussion.
While both TDP and Jana Sena, part of the ruling alliance in the state, who are key partners in the NDA government at the center led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi were naturally kept away from this event, the opposition party YSRCP, led by YS Jaganmohan Reddy also maintained a distance.
Projections indicate that if the current Lok Sabha strength is maintained, Andhra Pradesh could see its seats decrease from 25 to 20. This potential reduction has raised alarms about the state’s future influence in national politics.
In Andhra Pradesh, the response has been comparatively subdued. Jaganmohan Reddy Confined himself addressing the issue by writing halfheartedly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging that the delimitation exercise be conducted in a manner that does not reduce any state’s representation in the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha.
However, the ruling alliance, comprising the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Jana Sena, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has not made any significant public statements or taken a definitive stance on the matter.
This reticence stands in stark contrast to the proactive measures taken by neighboring states. For instance, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu has convened meetings with leaders from multiple states to form a united front against the proposed delimitation, emphasising the need to protect the political voice of the southern states.
Similarly, leaders from other southern states have expressed concerns that the population-based delimitation could
marginalize their influence in national affairs.
The lack of a robust response from Andhra Pradesh’s ruling coalition raises questions about its commitment to safeguarding the state’s interests. Given the potential implications of the delimitation exercise, a more assertive stance may be necessary to ensure that Andhra Pradesh’s representation and influence within the Indian democratic framework are preserved.