Union Leaders Seek to Undermine Tamil Nadu's Rights: CM Stalin
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Synopsis
On March 3, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin voiced concerns that Union government leaders intend to undermine Tamil Nadu's hard-won rights. During his address in Nagapattinam, he criticized the upcoming delimitation process and urged political unity to address these pressing issues.
Key Takeaways
- CM Stalin claims Union government aims to take Tamil Nadu's rights.
- Delimitation could reduce Tamil Nadu's Lok Sabha seats significantly.
- Central government ties educational funds to a three-language policy.
- Invitation extended to all political parties for discussions.
- Some parties opted out of the meeting despite the call for unity.
Chennai, March 3 (NationPress) Chief Minister M.K. Stalin expressed that the leaders in the Union government aim to strip away the rights that Tamil Nadu has fought for and achieved.
This statement was made during a public address in Nagapattinam on Monday.
CM Stalin articulated, “The impending delimitation process threatens to diminish our representation in Parliament and mute our voice.”
He also pointed out that the Central government is enforcing a prerequisite to adopt the three-language policy in exchange for educational funding.
The Chief Minister remarked, “Tamil Nadu has advanced significantly due to the two-language policy. This is well-known.”
CM Stalin cautioned that if delimitation strictly follows population counts, Tamil Nadu risks losing up to eight Lok Sabha seats, lowering its representation from 39 to 31 MPs. Even if the overall number of parliamentary seats expands, states like Tamil Nadu, which have effectively controlled population growth, could face disproportionate consequences, he contended.
“This issue transcends mere numbers; it pertains to our fundamental rights. Tamil Nadu has set benchmarks in development metrics and population management, and we should not be penalized for our success. An unjust delimitation process could weaken our representation in Parliament,” CM Stalin affirmed.
Labeling delimitation as a “Sword of Damocles” looming over Southern states, he emphasized that the process could disadvantage regions that have successfully adopted family planning measures.
CM Stalin announced that the state government has invited all 40 registered political parties in Tamil Nadu to engage in discussions, as this issue is pivotal for the state's future.
“We have reached out to all 40 political parties recorded with the Election Commission of India to deliberate on this significant matter. This is a time for solidarity. I urge all parties to put aside their differences and join the dialogue,” he added.
In spite of the Chief Minister’s invitation, several political parties, including the BJP, TMC, and NTK, have opted to boycott the meeting.
