HYDERABAD: Malkajgiri, India's largest Lok Sabha constituency with over 37 lakh voters, may soon lose its top spot after the proposed delimitation exercise.
Currently, Ghaziabad, Bengaluru North, Unnao, and Northwest Delhi follow
In addition, several neighbouring constituencies in the Hyderabad metropolitan region Secunderabad, Hyderabad, and Chevella may also shrink. Likewise, nearby constituencies such as Bhongir and Mahabubnagar could see similar changes.
Telangana Congress eyes Rajya Sabha seats in April
As a result, officials expect the creation of three to four new Lok Sabha seats in the Hyderabad metropolitan area.
Rise in Lok Sabha and Assembly seats
Meanwhile, Telangana may witness a major increase in political representation. According to sources, the number of Lok Sabha constituencies could rise from 17 to 26.
Similarly, the number of Assembly segments may increase from 119 to 179, adding around 60 new seats.
In particular, the erstwhile Ranga Reddy district is likely to undergo the most significant changes. This is because rapid urbanisation, a growing migrant population, and expanding residential colonies have driven population growth over the past two decades.
Malkajgiri's current structure
At present, the Malkajgiri Lok Sabha constituency falls within the erstwhile Ranga Reddy district. It includes seven Assembly segments: Malkajgiri, Qutubullapur, LB Nagar, Uppal, Secunderabad Cantonment, Medchal, and Kukatpally.
Among these, Qutubullapur and LB Nagar have the largest voter bases. Therefore, any restructuring of these segments could significantly alter the constituency's profile.
Population to shape seat distribution
Importantly, population size will play a key role in the redistribution of seats. A senior BRS leader said districts with higher populations are likely to gain more representation.
For instance, Ranga Reddy district leads with 52 lakh people. It is followed by Mahabubnagar (40 lakh), Hyderabad (39 lakh), Karimnagar (37 lakh), and Warangal (35 lakh).
Currently, Ranga Reddy and Mahabubnagar have 14 Assembly seats each, while Hyderabad has 15. In comparison, Karimnagar has 13 and Nalgonda has 12.
Consequently, out of the proposed 60 new Assembly seats, around nine may go to the Greater Hyderabad region.
Concerns over political impact
However, political parties have expressed concern over the potential impact of delimitation. They argue that changes in constituency boundaries could disrupt existing political equations.
Moreover, shifts in voter demographics may influence electoral outcomes, making the process politically sensitive.
Call to fix past anomalies
At the same time, some leaders have highlighted inconsistencies in the previous delimitation exercise.
For example, a BJP leader pointed out that Secunderabad Cantonment, although located in Hyderabad district, falls under the Malkajgiri Lok Sabha constituency. On the other hand, Jubilee Hills comes under Secunderabad.
Therefore, he urged authorities to address and correct such anomalies in the upcoming exercise.