Delimitation Will Redraw Telangana State’s Electoral Map

Hyderabad: The delimitation and women’s quota exercise initiated by the Centre is all set to reshape the political landscape of Lok Sabha constituencies in Telangana. Indications suggest that the number of Lok Sabha constituencies in the state could increase from the present 17 to 26, with the addition of nine new seats, reshaping electoral dynamics. Hyderabad city is expected to emerge as a key battleground in future Lok Sabha elections in Telangana.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Congress MP from Bhongir, Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy, said there are indications that delimitation exercise will be based on the 2011 Census, when Telangana had 10 districts prior to creation of 23 new districts in 2016. He noted that the erstwhile Ranga Reddy district, with a population of 52,96,741, ranked first in the state and 17th nationally, is currently spread across Lok Sabha constituencies such as Malkajgiri, Chevella, Bhongir and Secunderabad, all of which are expected to undergo significant boundary changes, with new constituencies likely to be carved out.

He further pointed out that constituencies like Hyderabad, Malkajgiri, Secunderabad and Bhongir have particularly high population densities, and may be split to create three to four additional constituencies. The Malkajgiri Lok Sabha seat, which had 37.79 lakh voters in the 2024 general elections, remains the largest parliamentary constituency in the country in terms of electorate size.

The proposed reorganisation is also expected to impact multiple regions across Telangana. In north Telangana, the erstwhile districts of Nizamabad, Adilabad and Karimnagar may be restructured to form two additional constituencies. In the Medak region, where Zaheerabad and Medak seats currently exist, one more constituency is likely to be created. Similarly, Mahabubnagar and Nagarkurnool districts in the south may be reorganised to add another seat, while Warangal, Khammam and Nalgonda districts in the east could see the formation of one or two new constituencies.

The delimitation exercise is also set to enhance women’s representation in Parliament. At present, Telangana has only two women MPs — D.K. Aruna of the BJP and Kadiyam Kavya of the Congress. This number is expected to rise to nine in the next general elections in 2029, in line with the proposed 33 per cent reservation for women.

There are indications that constituencies for women will be reserved based on the latest Census 2027. Traditionally, political parties have fielded very few women candidates. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress fielded three women candidates, while the BJP and BRS allocated one ticket each. However, by 2029, parties will be required to field at least nine women candidates each in line with 33 per cent reservation norms.

Telangana currently has an electorate of 3.39 crore voters spread across 33 districts. The voter base includes 1.68 crore men, 1.70 crore women and 2,890 transgender voters. Notably, women voters now outnumber men in the state.