Chief Minister and DMK President M.K. Stalin expressed serious concerns regarding the proposed delimitation that could result in Tamil Nadu and other states losing their representation in Parliament. He emphasized that such a move would undermine the essence of federalism, diminish democratic values, and infringe upon the rights of states during a video message released ahead of the first Joint Action Committee meeting.
Stating that “fair delimitation” is a crucial issue at present, Stalin explained that the DMK had raised the matter because the delimitation process is expected to occur by 2026. He warned that if the delimitation is based on population figures, it would significantly reduce Tamil Nadu’s representation in Parliament. He highlighted that this issue transcends merely the number of Members of Parliament; it revolves around the rights of the state itself.
In a recent assembly of parties in Tamil Nadu, all factions except the BJP reached a consensus on demanding a just delimitation process. Stalin said they not only sought to address this issue within Tamil Nadu but also aimed to collaborate with other affected states. Consequently, he wrote to the chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, Odisha, West Bengal, and Punjab. Additionally, he dispatched letters to the heads of all major political parties representing these states in Parliament.
Stalin noted that a delegation, including a Tamil Nadu state minister and an MP, was formed to directly engage with these leaders and articulate the DMK’s stance. He revealed that he personally contacted all the chief ministers, some of whom confirmed their attendance while others indicated that representatives would be present due to prior commitments.
The initial discussions are set to occur in Chennai on March 22. Stalin reiterated the urgency of addressing this matter, stressing that if Tamil Nadu and other states lose their representation due to delimitation, it would strike at the very foundation of India’s federal structure and silence their voices in Parliament. He described the situation as a calculated attempt to undermine specific states, particularly those that have effectively managed population growth and have contributed significantly to national development.
The upcoming meeting, he said, aims to unite all affected states and establish a cohesive strategy moving forward. “This gathering will help us determine our next steps. Our rightful demands will be upheld, and our collective initiative will strengthen India,” Stalin asserted.
