JAC on Delimitation Approves Resolution for Transparency
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Synopsis
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) on Fair Delimitation met in Chennai, adopting a resolution demanding transparency in future delimitation exercises by the Union Government. Concerns were raised about the lack of stakeholder consultation, with a call for an equitable delimitation process that considers various factors beyond population.
Key Takeaways
- Unanimous resolution for transparency in delimitation.
- Concerns over lack of consultation with stakeholders.
- Need for balanced delimitation considering economic contributions.
- Political unity among diverse parties for fair delimitation.
- Next meeting to be held in Hyderabad.
Chennai, March 22 (NationPress) The Joint Action Committee (JAC) on Fair Delimitation convened in Chennai on Saturday and unanimously passed a resolution emphasizing that any forthcoming delimitation initiatives by the Union Government should be executed transparently, with comprehensive consultation and consideration involving all relevant parties.
After the meeting, DMK Deputy General Secretary and Member of Parliament, Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, expressed the committee's serious concerns regarding the absence of transparency and lucidity in the Centre's proposed delimitation efforts, which she pointed out were being evaluated without adequate consultation with state governments and political entities.
“I wish to share the resolution that was ratified today,” she stated. “The JAC expressed its profound concern about the lack of transparency and clarity in the delimitation procedure and the failure to consult key stakeholders. The committee also conveyed its gratitude to the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for initiating efforts to protect the political and economic future of performing states in India.”
Kanimozhi continued, “Following discussions and scenarios presented by representatives during the meeting, the JAC unanimously resolved that any delimitation exercise conducted by the Union Government must be transparent and inclusive of political parties from all states, state governments, and other essential stakeholders to deliberate, discuss, and contribute to the process.”
She further underscored the constitutional context, stating, “The legislative intent behind the 42nd, 84th, and 87th Constitutional Amendments aimed to incentivize and safeguard states that effectively implemented population control measures. Given that the objective of national population stabilization remains unachieved, the freeze on parliamentary constituencies based on the 1971 Census should be extended by another 25 years.”
The DMK leader stressed that the political parties present at the JAC meeting had resolved to collectively advocate for a just delimitation process. “This marks a historic moment in Indian political history, with overwhelming responses from across the nation,” she remarked. Kanimozhi listed the leaders who attended the meeting: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik participated virtually.
Leaders from various parties also contributed to the discussions, including representatives from the BRS, Shiromani Akali Dal, Kerala Congress, Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) of Kerala, AIMIM from Hyderabad, and Kerala Congress (M). All leaders united on a single platform, expressing solidarity and concern regarding the crucial delimitation issue.
“We stand united and speak with a single voice: we will fight for fair delimitation,” Kanimozhi declared. The JAC meeting was organized under the leadership of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who has become a pivotal figure in fostering opposition unity on this matter. His efforts followed an all-party conference held in Tamil Nadu on March 5, where 58 registered political parties—excluding the BJP—voiced strong opposition to the proposed delimitation.
It is noteworthy that West Bengal's Trinamool Congress (TMC) was invited but did not send a representative to the meeting. The opposition's primary argument is that delimitation based solely on population growth unfairly penalizes southern states, which have successfully implemented population control policies over several decades. They contend that such a move undermines India's federal structure and penalizes effective governance.
The JAC urged for a more balanced and equitable delimitation framework that considers not only population but also economic contributions, governance performance, and development indicators. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced that the next meeting on delimitation will take place in Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana.
