Although the NDA is allied, the TDP has expressed disagreement over population-based delimitation with the BJP-led central government in Lok Sabha. The Andhra Pradesh party led by Chandra Babu Naidu had also asked the Center to rethink the delimitation policy to address the concerns of southern states, mainly Andhra Pradesh.

On Saturday, TDP MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, during a debate in Lok Sabha, raised the issue of using population as a criterion for delimitation. The Center plans to implement the long-delayed population census in 2025, aiming to complete it by 2026.

The MP said that in the upcoming delimitation, the southern states stand to lose while the north will gain politically. He added that the calculation is that the seats of four states – UP, Bihar, MP and Rajasthan – will increase from the current 169 to 324, while the seats of Andhra, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka will increase from the current 129. at only 164.

Devarayalu said this would not be in the interest of federalism and less populated states deserve the benefits of delimitation. He also called for a deadline for governors to assent to bills passed by state assemblies.

The MP had also earlier rallied behind the Centre’s decision, arguing that Andhra Pradesh should not be penalized for successfully managing its population and that the delimitation policy should be reworked only after consultations with stakeholders .

Chandrababu Naidu himself has raised the issue several times, most recently when he called on people to have more children after the state’s total fertility rate (TFR) fell below the national level of 2.0. He added that his government was considering measures to encourage families to have more children. He also expressed concern over the decision, particularly its effects on the development of the state.

The current size of electoral districts is based on the 1971 census despite the country’s population growth. This has resulted in overrepresentation and underrepresentation of certain states. For example, while one MP represents 3.1 million citizens in Bihar, Kerala has one MP representing 1.75 million people.

The Constitution states that proportional representation is the basis for the allocation of seats in the Lok Sabha. Article 82 provides for the reallocation of seats after each decennial census on the basis of updated population figures.