CM Stalin raises alarm over Centre's delimitation plan, convenes all-party meeting

CHENNAI: Chief Minister MK Stalin on Tuesday called for an all-party meeting on March 5 to discuss delimitation, alleging that the exercise threatened to reduce Tamil Nadu's representation in the Parliament.

Talking to the media after chairing the Cabinet meeting, Stalin said that all 40 registered parties would be invited to the meeting to discuss the crucial issue, which, if done in the manner mulled by the Centre, could crush Tamil Nadu’s voice in the Parliament.

Describing delimitation as Damocles’s sword hanging over southern states that have successfully implemented population control measures over the last few decades, Stalin said, "Tamil Nadu has been pushed to undertake a major struggle for its rights now. Tamil Nadu, which is a frontrunner in all development indices, would be severely affected by it. There are 39 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu now. There is a threat of it being reduced if delimitation is done on the basis of population."

Explaining the threat, Stalin noted that Tamil Nadu would lose 8 out of the existing 39 Lok Sabha seats if delimitation were to be done on the basis of population across the country. If the number of MPs were to be increased countrywide and delimitation undertaken proportionately on that basis, the State’s representation in the Parliament would reduce and Tamil Nadu’s voice would be muzzled.

“We must not forget that this is not an issue concerning merely the numbers or representation of the State, but the rights of the State. As a first step, we are organising the meeting to bring together all political parties and leaders of Tamil Nadu to discuss the crucial issue. I appeal to all political parties and leaders to set aside political differences, take part in the meeting, and express their views," he said.

In his letter addressed to the registered parties, Stalin said, "It is unacceptable whatsoever to punish, in the pretext of delimitation, our State which controlled population and contributed immensely to national development."

Later, in a social media message, Stalin said, "A democratic process should not penalise states that have successfully managed population growth, led in development, and made significant contributions to national progress. We need a fair, transparent, and equitable approach that upholds true federalism."