Amaravati, April 17 (IANS) The YSR Congress Party has welcomed the delimitation exercise in the Lok Sabha but demanded that the assurance given by the Union Government be legally incorporated into the Bill.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, YSRCP MP P. V. Midhun Reddy welcomed the statement made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding a proportionate increase in seats based on the existing strength of each state. However, he made it clear that an oral assurance is not sufficient and must be included in the legislation.

He recalled the time of Andhra Pradesh’s bifurcation, when both Congress and BJP had promised Special Category Status to the state. He pointed out that this was only an oral commitment and was never fulfilled. Drawing from this experience, he insisted that the present assurance must be made part of the Bill to avoid a repeat of the past.

Midhun Reddy also highlighted that an amendment reflecting the same assurance has already been moved. He urged the government to accept the amendment so that the Home Minister’s statement becomes legally binding.

He said while addressing disparities at the national level, the government must also ensure that no new regional imbalances are created within states after delimitation. He stressed that the same criteria used for increasing seats at the national level should be applied within states as well.

He further expressed concern about the composition of the Delimitation Commission. He pointed out that if the State Speaker does not provide representation to opposition parties, it could lead to unfair practices. He demanded that the Bill must include safeguards to ensure fair representation for all parties, both ruling and opposition.

He said delimitation should be a nation-building exercise and should not be used as a tool to suppress or sideline the opposition.

On the women’s reservation, Midhun Reddy reiterated his party’s strong support. He said the party has always stood for women’s empowerment and welcomed the Women’s Reservation Bill in any form.

He also highlighted the initiatives taken by former Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. He noted that 50 per cent reservation was provided to women in local bodies and nominated posts, and that women were prioritised in welfare schemes. He added that around 32 lakh houses were registered in the names of women.

He strongly demanded strict and stringent laws to ensure the safety of women. He alleged that in Andhra Pradesh, some MLAs were involved in harassment of women through calls and messages, and said that evidence is available in the public domain.

The MP expressed concern that women who came forward to complain were themselves harassed and that no action was taken against the accused. He demanded strict action against those responsible, irrespective of their position.

–IANS

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