Former MP Boinapally Vinod Kumar Opposes Reduction in Parliamentary Seats for South India

NEWS CHARIOT : Former Member of Parliament and senior BRS leader, Boinapally Vinod Kumar, has voiced strong opposition to any potential reduction in parliamentary seats for South Indian states, warning that such a move could threaten the integrity of the nation. Speaking to the media in Karimnagar on Thursday, after casting his vote alongside former minister and Karimnagar MLA Gangula Kamalakar, Vinod Kumar criticized the idea of reducing parliamentary seats based on population data, describing it as unacceptable to the people of Southern India.

Vinod Kumar referred to the statements made by Home Minister Amit Shah, who clarified that the central government currently has no plans to reduce parliamentary seats. He aligned himself with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin, who argued that a population-based reorganization of seats would disproportionately affect South Indian states, leading to a reduction in their representation.

Vinod Kumar highlighted that constitutional amendments made in 1971 and 2001 had already addressed this issue, ensuring that the number of seats in the parliament would remain fixed until 2026. These amendments were designed to prevent any reductions in parliamentary seats, specifically to protect the interests of Southern states. He further suggested that after 2026, the central government may likely continue with the existing amendment, possibly increasing the number of seats based on the 1971 census data.

The senior BRS leader also raised concerns over the current fiscal system, alleging that Southern states are financially disadvantaged. He claimed that a disproportionate amount of resources and funds are being redirected to Northern states, putting Southern India at an economic disadvantage.

Vinod Kumar urged members of the BRS and other political leaders to ensure that the voice of the Southern states is heard on this critical issue, emphasizing the need to preserve the current allocation of parliamentary seats. He stressed that maintaining this allocation is crucial to the political and economic balance of the country.