With Union home minister Amit Shah declaring in Lok Sabha on Thursday that Andhra Pradesh and Telangana would get increased Lok Sabha constituencies by 2029 elections, speculations have begun over the possible formation of new constituencies.
In Andhra Pradesh, the number of Lok Sabha constituencies is expected to rise from the current 25 to 38 seats once the delimitation process is completed.
According to sources, based on emerging guidelines, several new parliamentary constituencies are likely to be created.
Sources said the capital region of Amaravati is set to emerge as a new Lok Sabha constituency.
In addition, areas that previously served as parliamentary constituencies, such as Tenali, Gudivada, Markapuram, and Bobbili, are likely to be reinstated.
At the same time, some existing constituencies may be abolished as part of the restructuring process, sources said.
According to current estimates based on the 2011 Census, each Lok Sabha constituency in Andhra Pradesh will have an average population of about 13.02 lakh, compared to over 20 lakhs in some constituencies at present.
Districts such as Tirupati, Ongole, and Guntur (combined districts) are expected to gain at least one additional parliamentary seat each, while Penukonda, Kavali, Markapuram, and Adoni are likely be back as parliamentary constituencies.
In the undivided Guntur district, which currently has Bapatla, Guntur, and Narasaraopet constituencies, the number of seats may increase by one or two, with Amaravati almost certain to be included.
The number of Assembly constituencies in Andhra Pradesh is also expected to rise from 175 to 263.
In Telangana, the number of Lok Sabha seats is projected to increase from 17 to 26 following delimitation. Of them, around 8-9 seats are expected to be reserved for women.
Additionally, sources indicate that 4 seats may be allocated under the SC quota and 2 under the ST quota in newly created constituencies.
Most of the new constituencies are expected to be concentrated in and around Greater Hyderabad due to rapid urban expansion. Sources said Charminar region may become a new parliamentary constituency, apart from Hyderabad.
Similarly, there might be a Lok Sabha constituency carved out of Malkajgiri, likely covering Kukatpally/Sherilingampally. At the same time, Narayanpet or Kodangal, a bastion of chief minister A Revanth Reddy, may also become a Lok Sabha constituency.
The other new LS constituencies expected to be formed are: Mancherial, Kothagudem/Bhadrachalam, Hanumakonda, Sangareddy, Parigi, Vikarabad and Suryapet
The final contours of these constituencies are expected to be formalized after consultations and submission of the delimitation panel’s report, sources said.