HYDERABAD: A delegation of DMK leaders, on behalf of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, invited Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy to attend a meeting convened by the DMK on March 22 in Chennai.
The meeting is being held to discuss the adverse impact of the proposed delimitation of Lok Sabha segments on the southern states.
Though Revanth Reddy agreed in principle to attend the meeting, he said he needed permission from the Congress high command. He stated that delimitation based on population would be unjust not only to Telangana but also to all southern states.
Revanth Reddy alleged that the Central government, led by the BJP, was conspiring against the southern states in the name of delimitation.
"It is not the delimitation. It is a limitation to southern states. We are not going to accept this limitation, at any cost," Revanth Reddy said.
The Telangana CM stated that the southern states paid more tax, had more entrepreneurs, and contributed significantly to the nation. Revanth Reddy alleged that the BJP wanted to settle scores with the southern states.
"BJP has never allowed the southern states to grow. We are not going to accept this vendetta politics, which limits opportunities for the south," Revanth Reddy said. He added that he welcomed Stalin's initiative in organising a meeting on delimitation.
Revanth Reddy said that the Telangana government would also convene a similar meeting in Hyderabad to gather opinions from all parties on delimitation. He stated that BJP Telangana president and Union Minister G Kishan Reddy would also be invited to attend the meeting.
"Southern leaders of the BJP should also respond to the proposed delimitation of Lok Sabha seats," Revanth Reddy said. He added that Kishan Reddy and other leaders from the south should take responsibility and respond to protect the interests of the southern states.
"The proposed delimitation, in its present form, limits opportunities for the south. So, Kishan Reddy must answer this and fight with the Central government to protect the rights of the southern states," Revanth Reddy said.
Tamil Nadu Municipal Minister K N Nehru, MPs Kanimozhi, A Raja, and NR Elango met Revanth Reddy. The delegation will also meet BRS working president KT Rama Rao this evening at Telangana Bhavan, the headquarters of the BRS.
