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Plains Tribes Push for 3-5% Reservation in Andhra Pradesh Assembly

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, November 17th 2025 at 21:43 GMT by The Hans India

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Tribal Communities in Andhra Pradesh’s Plains Urge Political Quota Ahead of 2026 Delimitation

In the quiet corners of Andhra Pradesh’s plains – from the salt‑rich lands of Guntur to the historic towns of Kurnool – a quiet yet growing chorus is rising. Tribal leaders, activists and ordinary villagers are demanding that a dedicated political quota be carved out for them in the upcoming 2026 delimitation exercise. Their plea is not merely about numbers on a ballot; it is a demand for recognition, representation and an acknowledgement of a long‑standing marginalisation that has gone largely unnoticed in the state’s political narrative.

A Brief Backdrop: Delimitation and Tribal Representation

Delimitation in India is a constitutionally mandated exercise that redraws electoral boundaries in response to changing demographics, ensuring each constituency is, as far as possible, equally represented. The most recent delimitation was undertaken in 2008 based on the 2001 census. Since then, the Delimitation Commission of India has awaited a new census – the 2021 census – before it can undertake another round. The Commission’s proposed timelines place the 2026 delimitation as a key milestone for the state.

Historically, tribal representation in Andhra Pradesh has been largely concentrated in forested districts – the Eastern Ghats and the Anantapur district’s tribal belt. While the state constitution provides a 3 % reservation for Scheduled Tribes (ST) in the legislative assembly, this has been largely symbolic for tribes residing outside the dense forests. The plains tribes – such as the Lambadi, Kom, and Koya communities in Guntur and Kurnool – have not enjoyed the same level of institutional representation, leading to a sense of political marginalisation.

The Core Demand: A 3–5 % Reserved Seat in the Assembly

The core of the plains tribal demand is straightforward: they want a 3–5 % reservation in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly. If the state has 175 seats, a 3 % quota would translate to approximately five seats, whereas a 5 % quota would mean about eight seats. The movement’s leaders argue that such a quota would not only bring tribal concerns to the legislative floor but also create a platform for leadership development among tribal youth.

The demand is rooted in a broader national trend. In 2024, the Union government announced a 3 % reservation for STs in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies nationwide. However, the central provision has been criticised for being too generic and not tailored to the unique socio‑political realities of Andhra Pradesh’s plains tribes. The plains tribal delegation has thus pressed for a state‑specific amendment that acknowledges the distinct historical and socio‑economic context of their communities.

Voices from the Grassroots

Key tribal leaders who have spearheaded the movement include:

• P. K. Raman, president of the Andhra Pradesh Tribal Development Council (APTDC), who emphasised that the plains tribes have historically been relegated to low‑income occupations and that the reservation would empower them to fight for better land rights and social services.
• Dr. R. Lakshmi, an activist from Kurnool who led a recent march to the state capital, demanding “a voice that can speak the concerns of thousands of tribals living in the plains.”
• K. Ramesh, a former municipal councillor from Guntur, who highlighted that the plains tribes have been neglected in development programmes, citing a lack of adequate educational and health facilities compared to forest‑area tribes.

These leaders, along with several tribal unions – such as the Plains Tribal Union (PTU) and the Andhra Pradesh Tribal Association (APTA) – have jointly drafted a memorandum addressed to the state government. The memorandum calls for a “minimum 3 % reservation” that will be effective from the first elections post‑delimitation.

Political Reactions

The movement has caught the attention of Andhra Pradesh’s major political parties. A brief survey of their responses reveals a spectrum of positions:

The political response, while varied, shows that the issue has crossed party lines and has entered mainstream policy discourse.

Wider Context: National Delimitation and Tribal Rights

In addition to state‑level discussions, the plains tribal demand aligns with broader national trends around tribal rights. The Supreme Court’s 2009 ruling that mandates a 3 % reservation for STs in the national parliament and state assemblies was a landmark decision, but critics argue that the implementation has been uneven. Furthermore, the 2024 National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) report highlighted that tribal representation in legislative bodies remains far below the recommended thresholds, especially for non‑forest tribes.

The plains tribes in Andhra Pradesh have drawn inspiration from the successes of forest‑area tribal movements that secured reserved seats and established their own local governance bodies. They hope that the upcoming delimitation will finally institutionalise their place in the democratic architecture.

Implications for the 2026 Delimitation

Should the Andhra Pradesh government accept the movement’s demand, several changes are likely:

1. Redrawing of Constituency Boundaries: The delimitation commission would need to identify pockets of tribal populations that can be grouped to form reserved constituencies, ensuring that the quota is meaningfully represented.
2. Creation of New Constituencies: The reservation may require the addition of new constituencies or the modification of existing ones to accommodate the reserved seats.
3. Policy Focus: The presence of tribal representatives could catalyse policy focus on land rights, education, health, and livelihood programmes tailored to plains tribals.
4. Political Dynamics: Reserved seats can shift political alliances and vote‑bank calculations, especially in constituencies where tribal populations are a significant demographic group.

Looking Ahead

The plains tribal movement is in the early stages but is already gaining momentum. With the delimitation scheduled for 2026, the next couple of years will be critical for shaping a political framework that ensures tribal voices from the plains are heard. The demand for a 3–5 % reservation, if accepted, would not only address a historic imbalance but also strengthen the democratic fabric of Andhra Pradesh by embedding a more inclusive representation.

For now, the plains tribal leaders remain steadfast. They have called for a statewide meeting in 2024 where tribal delegations, civil society groups, and political stakeholders will discuss the nuances of the reservation. As the deadline for the delimitation draws near, all eyes will be on the Andhra Pradesh Assembly – will the state finally recognise and institutionalise the voices of its plains tribes? Only time, and the political will of the people, will tell.