New Delhi: Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led Union government after the Constitution Amendment Bill failed to secure a special majority in the Lok Sabha, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of using the proposal as a “smokescreen” to eventually dilute reservations and weaken the political voice of southern states. Speaking at a press conference in Delhi, Reddy rejected the claim that the opposition had blocked women’s empowerment, asserting instead that the Congress and INDIA bloc are ready to back a “clean” Women’s Reservation Bill without conditions.
Throwing a direct challenge to the Prime Minister, Reddy said the Centre should introduce a fresh bill immediately based on the current strength of 543 Lok Sabha seats, ensuring 33% reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies. He argued that by using 2011 Census data, the quota could be rolled out by August 15, 2026, in time for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh elections, and assured that Congress would extend full support if such a bill is brought forward.
A major flashpoint in his criticism was the linking of women’s reservation to delimitation. Reddy strongly opposed the idea of increasing seats on a population-based formula, calling it unfair to southern states that successfully implemented family planning policies. He said such a move would effectively penalize the South and the Northeast while shifting political weight toward more populous regions. Questioning the rationale, he asked why states that followed national policy should now face political disadvantage because of their success.
The Chief Minister also announced plans to build a united front among southern leaders against the proposed delimitation approach. He said he would initiate discussions with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, and Puducherry’s V. Vaithilingam to collectively oppose what he described as an unjust restructuring of representation.
Escalating his attack, Reddy alleged that the BJP’s broader agenda, reflected in its “Char Sau Paar” slogan, was to secure enough power to alter the Constitution and weaken existing reservation safeguards. He contrasted this with the Congress party’s record of promoting women to top leadership roles, claiming the BJP lacked such a legacy.
He also targeted Telangana BJP leaders, accusing Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy and MP K. Laxman of compromising the state’s interests for political gain at the Centre. Taking a swipe at Prime Minister Modi and BJP leader Tejasvi Surya, he reiterated that their past positions reflected an “anti-Telangana” stance.
The press conference was attended by MPs Dr. Mallu Ravi, Suresh Shetkar, and Balram Naik, along with several state government whips and MLAs.
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