Hyderabad: The BRS decided to support the Women’s Reservation Bill and directed its Rajya Sabha members to vote in favour, while cautioning against any delimitation that could reduce southern states’ representation.
Party chief K. Chandrashekhar Rao chaired a meeting at his Erravelli residence with senior leaders, including K.T. Rama Rao and T. Harish Rao. The leaders reviewed the agenda for the upcoming Parliament session from April 16 to 18. During the meeting, the leadership instructed the party’s four Rajya Sabha MPs to back the Women’s Reservation Bill.
The party reiterated its consistent stand in favour of reservations for women. It recalled that it had earlier passed a resolution in the Telangana Assembly supporting such measures. It also highlighted that quotas for women were already implemented in local bodies.
BRS flags Women’s Reservation Bill concerns over delimitation
However, the leadership expressed concern over proposed delimitation linked to the Women’s Reservation Bill. It stated that any exercise based on the 2011 Census could reduce the South’s share in Parliament. At present, southern states hold around 24 per cent of Lok Sabha seats.
K. Chandrashekhar Rao said this share should not decline. Instead, he argued that it should increase, given the region’s role in population control and economic contribution. Therefore, the party signalled that it would oppose any delimitation that weakens southern representation.
At the same time, the BRS indicated support for expanding the total number of seats if the current regional share remains unchanged. KCR also directed party leaders to study the bill carefully before taking a final stand. He asked them not to rush and to review all provisions after the bill is introduced.
Separately, the meeting reviewed arrangements for a public meeting in Jagtial on April 20. It also discussed preparations for the party’s Formation Day celebrations on April 27.
