Chennai, March 3 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and DMK President, M.K. Stalin, has called on every political party to join the all-party meeting organized by the Tamil Nadu government on March 5 to deliberate on the critical topic of delimitation.

During a public gathering in Nagapattinam on Monday, CM Stalin urged parties that intend to boycott the meeting to rethink their stance, highlighting that this discussion is vital for safeguarding Tamil Nadu’s interests.

He alleged, “The Union government is trying to enforce the three-language policy in Tamil Nadu and is plotting to reduce the number of parliamentary constituencies under the pretext of delimitation.”

CM Stalin cautioned that if delimitation is conducted solely based on population, Tamil Nadu could potentially lose as many as eight Lok Sabha seats, which would cut its representation from 39 to 31 MPs.

He argued that even if the total number of parliamentary seats in India rises, states like Tamil Nadu—where population control measures have been successful—could be disproportionately impacted.

“This is more than a numbers game; it concerns our fundamental rights. Tamil Nadu has been a leader in development metrics and population control, and we should not be penalized for our achievements. An unjust delimitation process could diminish our voice in Parliament,” CM Stalin asserted.

Referring to delimitation as a ‘Sword of Damocles’ hanging over Southern states, he emphasized that this process could undermine states that have effectively implemented family planning initiatives.

CM Stalin stated that the state government has reached out to all 40 registered political parties in Tamil Nadu to engage in this significant discussion, as it pertains to the state's future.

“We have contacted all 40 political parties registered with the Election Commission of India to discuss this crucial matter. This is a time for unity. I encourage all parties to put aside their differences and participate in the dialogue,” he added.

Despite the Chief Minister’s request, several political parties have opted to boycott the meeting.

The Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC), headed by former Union Minister G.K. Vasan, has announced its decision not to attend, labeling the meeting as an effort to divert public attention from unresolved issues within the state.

Vasan also pointed out that the central government has yet to make any formal announcement regarding delimitation in Tamil Nadu.

He referred to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to Tamil Nadu on February 25, during which Shah reportedly stated that the central government had not taken a definitive stance on delimitation and that Tamil Nadu's parliamentary seats would increase rather than decrease.

Vasan criticized both the central and state administrations, opposing the three-language policy and NEET, while accusing the DMK-led government of not taking a firm position against these policies.

The Tamil Nadu BJP has also declined to attend the meeting.

State BJP President K. Annamalai, in a letter to the Chief Minister, accused Stalin of fostering “imaginary and baseless fears” regarding delimitation.

“You have misrepresented the delimitation process and convened an all-party meeting to disseminate misinformation prior to the official details of the exercise being released,” Annamalai wrote.

He further contended that if Stalin was genuinely concerned about the potential loss of parliamentary seats, he should have directed the 39 MPs from the INDIA bloc to raise the issue in Parliament during the Budget Session.

Annamalai also accused CM Stalin of utilizing the delimitation issue to distract from governance failures in the state.

“With lawlessness at its height, governance in turmoil, rampant corruption, and policy paralysis, you have chosen to focus on creating video reels instead of tackling real issues. This entire delimitation controversy is a product of your imagination,” he claimed.

Despite opposition from some parties, CM Stalin remains steadfast in his position, asserting that the all-party meeting is essential for protecting Tamil Nadu’s representation and rights.

The results of the meeting on March 5 are anticipated to influence the state’s approach in addressing the potential consequences of delimitation.