Tamil Nadu CM Appeals to Counter Delimitation Move
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Synopsis
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has urged fellow state leaders to oppose the proposed delimitation exercise, which he calls a blatant assault on federalism. He emphasizes the need for unity among states to protect their representation in Parliament.
Key Takeaways
- CM Stalin describes delimitation as a threat to federalism.
- He warns that Tamil Nadu could lose parliamentary seats.
- Formation of a Joint Action Committee to oppose the move.
- Stalin urges a united front among southern states.
- Delimitation based on population figures could harm representation.
Chennai, March 7 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, has reached out to his fellow Chief Ministers in various states, calling for opposition to the proposed delimitation initiative, which he labeled a “blatant assault on federalism.”
In a powerful statement, CM Stalin accused the Union government of seeking to penalize states that have effectively implemented population control strategies and demonstrated good governance by diminishing their representation in Parliament.
“The Union Government's plan for delimitation is a blatant assault on federalism, punishing states that ensured population control and good governance by stripping away our rightful voice in Parliament. We will not allow this democratic injustice!” CM Stalin expressed on X on Friday.
The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister noted that he has contacted numerous Chief Ministers, including Mohan Charan Majhi of Odisha, and leaders of political parties in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, West Bengal, Odisha, and Punjab. His letters advocated for a collective stance against what he described as an inequitable and biased action.
To lead the Opposition, CM Stalin declared the establishment of a Joint Action Committee (JAC) that will include leaders from various states. The inaugural meeting of the JAC is set to take place in Chennai on March 22.
“We are forming a Joint Action Committee to ensure that our states are not silenced. Let us stand together -- not as separate political entities, but as protectors of our people's future,” he emphasized.
Earlier on Wednesday, CM Stalin stated that Tamil Nadu is compelled to engage in a significant battle for its rights, insisting that the forthcoming delimitation process should not rely on the new Census.
During an all-party gathering convened at the Secretariat to deliberate the issue, CM Stalin cautioned that delimitation based on population statistics would disproportionately impact Tamil Nadu and other southern states.
“The sword of delimitation is hanging over South India,” he warned, stressing that if parliamentary constituencies are restructured according to population, Tamil Nadu could potentially lose eight parliamentary seats.
“If the number of parliamentary seats in the country increases, we should receive 22 additional seats. However, under the current population-based formula, we will only gain 10, leading to a net loss of 12 seats. This is a direct attack on Tamil Nadu’s political representation in Indian democracy,” CM Stalin had asserted.
