Hyderabad

Telangana Rakshana Sena founder K. Kavitha on Saturday suggested that the Rajya Sabha be given powers similar to the United States Senate to safeguard the interests of states, particularly in the context of the upcoming delimitation exercise.

Addressing a “Meet the Press” programme in Hyderabad, Kavitha said there should be no objection if certain states gain or lose parliamentary seats during delimitation, provided a fair and balanced federal mechanism is put in place.

She proposed that the Centre adopt a fixed population benchmark while determining representation in the delimitation process, even if that results in some states losing seats in the Lok Sabha.

To offset any such imbalance, Kavitha suggested that all states, regardless of geographical size or population, should be allotted an equal number of seats in the Rajya Sabha.

She further argued that the Upper House should be empowered on the lines of the US Senate, with the authority to scrutinise and decide on key legislation affecting states, including financial and policy-related bills.

According to her, if states collectively oppose a bill in the Rajya Sabha, such legislation should not move forward, as this would strengthen the federal framework and ensure political as well as financial security for all states.

Kavitha said equal representation and voting rights for every state in the Rajya Sabha would help preserve the spirit of the Constitution and reinforce the Union’s federal structure.

She added that she intends to prepare a detailed proposal on the issue and submit it to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well as to any delimitation commission constituted in the future.

During the interaction, Kavitha also said her criticism of former BRS president K. Chandrashekar Rao was political rather than personal.

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She announced that her party would focus primarily on Telangana-centric issues and unveiled “Panchajanya,” a five-point public welfare agenda that includes commitments such as free education and accessible healthcare.