YS Jagan: 1971 census should be basis for delimitation

YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging that the 1971 Census be used as the basis for the upcoming delimitation exercise.

In a letter dated March 21, 2025, Reddy expressed concerns that a population-based delimitation could unfairly erode the political representation of southern states, which have successfully controlled population growth over the past decades.

Reddy highlighted that southern states, including Andhra Pradesh, have seen a steady decline in their population share due to early adoption of family planning policies. He pointed out that the region’s population dropped from 24.8% in 1971 to 20.88% in 2011, and has likely shrunk further over the last 15 years. If delimitation is carried out using the latest Census figures, these states could lose parliamentary seats, disproportionately shifting power to more populous northern states.

“Using the 1971 Census as the basis would honor the efforts of states that adhered to national population control policies, ensuring fairness in representation,” Reddy wrote, aligning his stance with similar demands raised by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin at a recent Joint Action Committee (JAC) meeting in Chennai.

Call for constitutional amendment

While Reddy did not attend the Chennai conclave, his letter underscored the need for a constitutional amendment to Article 81(2)(a), which mandates that Lok Sabha seats be allocated based on population. He proposed extending the freeze on parliamentary constituencies—set to expire in 2026—using the 1971 Census as a benchmark.

“The delimitation process must not penalize states for their success in stabilizing population growth,” he argued.

YS Jagan fears to align with Stalin?

YS Jagan didn’t attend Stalin’s meeting and instead thanked Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his assurances that southern states would see a proportionate increase in seats but cautioned that constitutional hurdles could undermine such promises without formal legislative action. His intervention comes amid growing tensions over the delimitation issue, as southern leaders intensify their push for equitable representation ahead of the anticipated 2026 Census.

It is seen as he is fearing BJP’s witch hunt and safely stayed away from Stalin’s meeting. Although the ruling Andhra Pradesh government, headed by TDP and Jana Sena, are partners in NDA, YS Jagan doesn’t want to go against Modi and Amit Shah.