Chennai, March 7 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin, has written to his counterparts across various states, urging them to oppose the proposed delimitation exercise, which he termed a "blatant assault on federalism."
In a strong statement, CM Stalin accused the Union government of attempting to punish states that have successfully implemented population control measures and good governance, by reducing 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 posted on X on Friday.
The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister stated that he has reached out to several Chief Ministers, including Odisha's Mohan Charan Majhi, and leaders of political parties in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, West Bengal, Odisha, and Punjab. His letters called for a united stand against what he described as an unfair and discriminatory move.
To spearhead the Opposition, CM Stalin announced the formation of a Joint Action Committee (JAC) comprising leaders from various states. The first meeting of the JAC is scheduled to be held 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 emphasised.
Earlier on Wednesday, CM Stalin said that Tamil Nadu is being forced to wage a major struggle for its rights, and that the upcoming delimitation process should not be based on the new Census.
Addressing an all-party meeting convened at the Secretariat to discuss the issue, CM Stalin warned that delimitation based on population figures would disproportionately affect Tamil Nadu and other southern states.
“The sword of delimitation is hanging over South India,” he said, stressing that if parliamentary constituencies are restructured based on population, Tamil Nadu could lose eight parliamentary seats.
“If the number of parliamentary seats in the country increases, we should get 22 additional seats. However, under the current population-based formula, we will only gain 10, which means a net loss of 12 seats. This is a direct attack on Tamil Nadu’s political representation in Indian democracy,” CM Stalin had asserted.
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