Hyderabad: Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka warned that southern states delimitation based only on the 2011 Census could threaten the region’s existence and political representation.
He made the remarks during the bicentenary celebrations of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule at Ravindra Bharathi, where he attended as chief guest. He said authorities should not rely solely on 2011 population data for delimitation. Instead, they must include caste census figures in the process.
According to Bhatti Vikramarka, excluding caste data could weaken southern states politically. He cautioned that such an approach may allow the Centre to form governments without adequate representation from the region. As a result, he said the balance of federal power could shift.
Southern states delimitation raises caste census concerns
Bhatti Vikramarka said southern states have led social transformation in the country. He added that these states continue to demand fair and equitable policies from the Centre. However, he alleged that the Centre reduced the tax revenue share of southern states to weaken them.
He said ignoring caste census data in southern states delimitation would harm weaker sections across the country. Therefore, he urged people to unite and safeguard their rights.
Bhatti Vikramarka said education and collective effort remain key to building an equal society. He urged people to use available opportunities to bring social change. He also asked them to uphold the ideals of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule.
Minister Vakiti Srihari, MP R. Krishnaiah, Congress senior leader V. Hanumantha Rao, and other leaders attended the event.
