Hyderabad: Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka said on Saturday that southern states delimitation based only on the 2011 Census could threaten the existence of the southern states.
Bhatti Vikramarka made these remarks at the bicentenary celebrations of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule at Ravindra Bharathi, where he attended as chief guest. Bhatti Vikramarka said authorities should not carry out delimitation using only 2011 population data. He also said they must consider caste census figures.
He warned that southern states delimitation without caste census data could reduce the region’s political importance. Bhatti added that such a move could allow the Centre to form governments without adequate southern representation.
Southern states delimitation and caste census concerns
Bhatti said southern states lead social transformation across the country. He added that they continue to press the Centre for equitable policies. However, he alleged that the Centre reduced the tax revenue share for southern states to weaken them.
He said ignoring caste census data in southern states delimitation would harm weaker sections nationwide. Therefore, he urged people to unite and protect their rights.
Bhatti Vikramarka also said only education and collective effort can build an equal and just society. Bhatti Vikramarka urged people to use every opportunity to bring meaningful social change. He further 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.