Both the Chandras of the Telugu states have come together for a cause. Yes we are talking about the CMs, Chandrababu and K Chandrasekhar Rao. While most of them were thinking that the increase of the constituencies for both the states was not possible.
Now it looks like it will be possible and the discussion has already come up with the PM Modi.
It was KCR who took the initiative to suggest AP CM Babu that while talking to the PM over various issue, Babu must also talk about the increase in number of the constituencies. This could be possible just before the elections that is in 2019.
As of now CM KCR is busy as the matter has already been vouched by the PM. KCR who was supposed to undergo the eye surgery could not get that done. It could happen on 28th or 29th in the Delhi it is reported. Last time also it was postponed due to various reasons. For the time being KCR is getting eyedrops for the eye that is to be operated upon.
Meanwhile Babu has also got the assurance from the PM that the constituencies will be increased.
While the CMs of the Telugu states want increase in the constituencies, YSRCP Chief Jagan suggested that the constituencies should not be increased. It looks like he will not be able to compete with the TDP and will lose hands down. With the present number he could have some ambition and hope.
The AP State Reorganisation Act, 2014 provides for increase in seats in the Assembly from 175 to 225 in AP and from 119 to 153 in Telangana. Hoping that the number would go up, the Telugu Desam Party has admitted quite a number of legislators from YSRC into its party fold, promising them party tickets in the 2019 Assembly elections.
Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu earlier has said that the Centre would amend the Constitution of India if necessary for increasing the number of Assembly seats in both Telangana and AP.
He said that the Attorney General of India and constitutional experts were differing on whether to amend the Constitution or not. “AGI feels that amendments are needed but experts say it is not necessary. He said he had raised the issue with Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday morning and that a Cabinet note was being prepared on it.
Later in the day, Rajnath Singh told that if possible a bill for enhancing the number of seats would be introduced in Parliament before the conclusion of the budget session on April 12.
As on date, there is no way the number of seats could be increased unless an amendment to Article 170 (3) of the Constitution of India is done, though AP State Reorganisation Act, 2014 has provided for the increase. Article 10 (3) prohibits delimitation of Assembly and Lok Sabha constituencies till 2026.
It is a known fact that both the Chief Ministers have encouraged large-scale defection of Opposition MLAs in their respective states. They have assured both the newcomers and old timers of the party that everybody will be accommodated in the next elections as Assembly seats were going to be increased.
U.Srinivas
Editor
