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.
PM Modi holds talks with Elon Musk on closer India-US ties in technology, innovation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a discussion with Tesla CEO Elon Musk on a range of topics, including the immense potential for collaboration in the areas of technology and innovation.
Nine women among 22 Maoists surrender in Chhattisgarh's Sukma
Security forces in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh have achieved a significant breakthrough with 22 Maoists, including nine women, surrendering on Friday, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to combat Maoism, officials said.
Focus on protecting rights of own minorities: India slams B'desh on Bengal violence comment
The comments from Dhaka came in the wake of protests against the Waqf(Amendment) Act, during which Bangladesh urged Indian authorities to ensure the safety of the minority Muslim population in the state.
Guru Tegh Bahadur's sacrifice inspires society to protect their faith for eternity: HM Shah on Prakash Parv
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday paid tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh guru, on his birth anniversary and emphasised the enduring legacy of his teachings and sacrifices.
May the spirit of peace and togetherness always prevail: PM Modi on Good Friday
On Good Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and urged people to embrace kindness and compassion, praying that the spirit of peace and togetherness always prevails.
HC asks Delhi govt, MCD to act against illegal encroachments on Yamuna Pusta Road
The Delhi High Court has ordered the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the city government to act against illegal encroachments prevailing along the Yamuna Pusta Road, which stretches from Wazirabad to Hiranki and serves as a crucial arterial route for residents and commuters.
2 killed, 6 injured in US university shooting
Two people were killed and six others were injured after an active shooter opened fire on the Florida State University (FSU) campus in Tallahassee on Thursday, law enforcement said at a news conference.
DoNER Minister bats for accelerating the Special Economic Zone in Manipur
Union Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Thursday directed officials to accelerate the pace of key infrastructure projects, including universities, Information Technology and Special Economic Zone in Manipur, mental, maternity and child hospital, officials said.