Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin, on Tuesday called for an all-party meeting on March 5 to discuss the issue of delimitation, which threatens to reduce Tamil Nadu’s representation in Parliament.
Speaking to the media after chairing a state Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Stalin said that all registered political parties —around 40 in total — would be invited to the discussion.
“Tamil Nadu is now being forced into a major struggle for its rights. We have decided to invite all 40 political parties registered with the Election Commission of India. Letters will be sent to all parties to discuss the delimitation issue,” CM Stalin stated.
He emphasised that Tamil Nadu has been a pioneer in all development indices and would be severely impacted by delimitation.
Currently, Tamil Nadu has 39 Lok Sabha seats. CM Stalin warned that based on population data, the state could lose up to eight seats, reducing its representation to just 31 MPs.
Even if the total number of MPs across the country is increased, the proportional delimitation process would still leave Tamil Nadu at a disadvantage, he argued.
“If delimitation is carried out purely on the basis of population, states with larger populations will gain more representation. As a result, Tamil Nadu’s voice in Parliament will be weakened,” he said.
CM Stalin stressed that the issue is not just about numbers but about the fundamental rights of the state.
“As a first step, we are organising this meeting to bring together all political parties and leaders of Tamil Nadu to discuss this crucial matter. I urge all political parties to set aside their differences, attend the meeting, and express their views,” he added.
Describing delimitation as the proverbial ‘Sword of Damocles’ hanging over Southern states — especially those that have successfully implemented population control measures — CM Stalin warned that this process could unfairly penalise progressive states like Tamil Nadu.
He had previously remarked that delimitation might push people to consider having “16 children”— a reference to a Tamil saying about 16 kinds of wealth.
He pointed out that because Tamil Nadu has successfully adopted family planning policies, the state now faces the consequence of losing parliamentary representation due to the delimitation process.
Additionally, CM Stalin urged newlyweds to give their children proper Tamil names — an apparent reference to the ongoing language controversy, which has been in the spotlight following the BJP’s push for a three-language policy through a door-to-door campaign.
‘Pahalgam incident deeply disturbing & tragic’: Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday termed the Pahalgam terror attack as disturbing & tragic and also condoled the victims and their families.
Congress finally deletes 'Gayab' post targeting PM Modi after outrage
Under fire from the BJP over its social media post targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress finally, on Tuesday, took down the controversial post.
Guterres calls EAM Jaishankar, Pak PM Sharif; stresses pursuing justice in Pahalgam terror attack
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the importance of pursuing justice in the Pahalgam terrorist attack while speaking with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shebaz Sharif, his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Tuesday.
Congress organises ‘Save Constitution’ rallies across NE states
The opposition Congress has been organising ‘Samvidhan Bachao’ (Save Constitution) campaign in the northeastern states. Claiming that the Constitution is in danger under the BJP-led Central government, the opposition Congress held a massive rally in Agartala on Tuesday.
RSS chief Bhagwat meets PM Modi after security huddle: Signs of a hard-hitting response in the works
In a significant political development, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg on Tuesday evening.
What PM Modi's free hand to armed forces against terror means for cross-border action?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unambiguous message during a high-level security meeting - ‘India is determined to deliver a crushing blow to terrorism’ - marks more than just a strong statement of resolve.
Justice BR Gavai appointed as next Chief Justice of India
Justice Gavai was elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court on May 29, 2019. Appointed as Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court in November 2003, he became a permanent Judge in November 2005.
Three more Bangladeshi nationals held in Tripura
The Tripura Frontier of the Border Security Force (BSF) on Tuesday apprehended three Bangladeshi nationals, including a woman, for illegally entering India, officials said.