Vijayawada: Delimitation of constituencies is part of the Special Assistance Measure that the Centre had recently extended to AP, Telugu Desam leaders were informed recently. The increase in the number of Assembly constituencies had been mandated in the AP Reorganisation Act.
If anyone files a petition against the delimitation, the Centre can produce the AP Reorganisation. Following the delimitation, the number of constituencies will increase from 175 to 225. This made sitting MLAs, defected YSRC MLAs and second level constituency leaders in TD very enthusiastic about their prospects.
Union minister of state Y. Sujana Chowdary said, “An amendment to the Constitution is not needed because delimitation is part of the Reorganisa-tion Act.” He added that if required, an amendment Bill to the Reorganisation Act would be made which can be easily passed. He said that delimitation of constituencies will come for discussion in the coming Winter Session of Parliament.
For the past 2-3 days and even on Sunday, the Chief Minister had discussed delimitation with his party members while welcoming YSRC leader Buragadda Veda Vyas into the TD.
“In an elaborate discussion between the Centre and the TD chief, Union home minister Rajnath Singh clearly stated that constitutional amendment is not required as the AP Reorganisation Act itself has delimitation written into it,” a core member of the TD said.
He added, “We were worried earlier whether it required amendment of the Constitution. But now we are relieved.” A corporation chairman, who looks after party affairs, said, “If needed, the Cabinet should discuss delimitation as per AP Reorganisation Act and direct the Election Commission of India to take necessary action.” He added, “As it is not an urgent matter, we will look into it at our convenience.’’
CM assures MLAs of election funding
TD president and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has assured MLAs and those in-charge of party affairs not to worry about election funding which would be taken care of. He instructed leaders not to indulge in any illegal activities to me-et election expenditure and concentrate on mo-ving extensively among the public and create goodwill for themselves and the party.
According to an MLA from north Andhra, the CM said that if party members lose goodwill with the public through illegal activity they would not be nominated for the 2019 elections.
On the other hand, an MLA from Praka-sam district said that though the party would provide election funding, it would not meet all the requirements. “Up to '50 crore has to be spent in certain constituencies for which we have to make our own initiatives,’’ he said.
Political analyst T. Rajasekhar said, “The Chief Minister is drawing up strategic plans to push the leaders for the 2019 elections. At the same time, he is concentrating on welfare and development activities of the state.” He added that they would go to any extent to succeed. Union minister of state Y. Sujana Chowdary told Deccan Chronicle that the TD would continue in power for 20 years on its welfare activities.
