M.K. Stalin Calls on PM Modi to Alleviate Concerns Regarding Delimitation

Chennai, April 6 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, has called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to confront the ‘legitimate concerns’ of the populace in Tamil Nadu and other southern regions regarding the potential implications of the forthcoming delimitation exercise.

He expressed apprehension that the reconfiguration of parliamentary constituencies might lead to a decrease in the number of seats allocated to southern states, which have effectively managed their population growth.

While addressing a gathering in Udhagamandalam, Stalin urged the Prime Minister to provide reassurance to the nation that the population control initiatives by states such as Tamil Nadu would not come at the expense of their political representation.

“This matter transcends the mere reduction of parliamentary seats—it’s fundamentally about our rights and the well-being of our future,” he emphasized.

The Chief Minister also mentioned that he had apprised the Prime Minister of his inability to attend the inauguration of the country’s first vertical lift sea bridge at Pamban in Rameswaram.

In his absence, he assigned ministers Thangam Thennarasu and Rajakannappan to welcome PM Modi on his behalf.

M.K. Stalin accused the central government of plotting through the delimitation process to diminish Tamil Nadu’s parliamentary power. He asserted that the DMK has consistently advocated for social justice not only within Tamil Nadu but throughout India.

He pointed out that initiatives led by DMK MPs and state leaders are being replicated nationwide to foster equitable development.

“Tamil Nadu was the pioneer in voicing opposition against this grand scheme masquerading as delimitation,” he remarked.

M.K. Stalin added that such an exercise would disproportionately impact states like Tamil Nadu, which have acted responsibly in controlling their population.

The Chief Minister also observed that 22 political parties from seven states had united to form the Joint Action Committee on fair delimitation and are seeking a meeting with the Prime Minister.

A formal communication had been dispatched to PM Modi, and M.K. Stalin expressed his expectation for the Prime Minister to arrange a meeting soon.

Later that day, M.K. Stalin inaugurated 1,703 completed government projects, including the Udhagamandalam Government Medical College and Hospital. Constructed at a cost of Rs 143.69 crore, this 700-bed facility is the first medical college in the hilly regions of India and includes a 50-bed ward dedicated to tribal communities.

Prior to the inauguration, Tamil Development and Information Minister M.P. Saminathan and Nilgiris MP A. Raja examined the hospital’s facilities.

Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma. Subramanian stated that the hospital meets a long-standing demand for enhanced medical care in Nilgiris.

Equipped with ten operation theatres, MRI and CT scan centers, and other advanced medical infrastructure, this facility signifies a substantial improvement in the region’s healthcare.

Health Minister Subramanian also outlined forthcoming investments in the healthcare sector.

The government has earmarked Rs 22 crore for upgrading hospitals in Emerald, Coonoor, and Kotagiri. New infrastructure includes six Ayush wellness clinics at Primary Health Centres, four additional Sub-Health Centres, new constructions for PHCs in Theppakkadu and Ithalar, a new Urban Wellness Centre at RK Puram, and ongoing renovations at Gudalur Government Hospital at a cost of Rs 31 crore.

He also confirmed that over 70 doctors have been appointed in the Nilgiris since April 2024.

With 36 recent appointments, there are currently no vacant doctor positions in any government hospital in the district.