Jaipur

Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday to "seriously address" the concerns raised by southern states over delimitation, warning that the issue could become sensitive if not handled carefully.

Talking to reporters at the Jaipur airport, Gehlot said the concerns expressed by several southern chief ministers reflect growing unease that must not be ignored.

"The anger and apprehensions voiced by the leaders of the southern states should be taken very seriously by the prime minister. I am repeating this deliberately -- if people in the south start feeling that the north is imposing itself on them and weakening their position, the situation can deteriorate," he said.

Referring to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin's remarks, the veteran Congress leader said they indicate the gravity of the issue.

"He has hinted at developments reminiscent of the agitations of the 1950s and 60s in the south. This is a very dangerous signal and shows the depth of the sentiment there. It is a highly-sensitive matter," Gehlot said.

On the women's reservation issue linked to delimitation, he said there is a broad consensus on it among all political parties but questioned the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Centre's approach to the matter.

"Both the ruling and opposition parties want women's reservation. But the way delimitation is being pursued raises questions. Why was the Census not conducted in 2021 as scheduled? Now, officials say it can be completed within a year," he said.

Gehlot also criticised the timing of parliamentary proceedings, alleging haste on the part of the government.

"Elections are underway in states like Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, yet Parliament has been convened. Opposition leaders had suggested waiting until the elections conclude, but the government is rushing. This raises doubts about its intent," he said.

Questioning the reported use of the 2011 Census data as the basis for delimitation, he added, "Earlier, it was said that the new Census would form the basis before implementation. Now, suddenly, the 2011 Census is being cited. This inconsistency is not appropriate."

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Gehlot said the Centre's strategy could be aimed at putting opposition parties in a difficult position. "If the bill (on delimitation) does not pass, the blame may be shifted to the opposition. Such tactics are not healthy for democracy," he said.

The government has convened a special sitting of Parliament from April 16 to April 18, during which bills introducing amendments to the women's reservation law and replacing the existing law on delimitation will be taken up.