Leading The Charge : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin At All Party Meet Insists 1971 Census As The Basis For Delimitation

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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has proposed a Joint Action Committee comprising MPs and party representatives from southern states at an all party meeting on Lok Sabha seats delimitation in Chennai.

According to PTI, Moving a resolution, Stalin said that in the event of increase in the number of seats in Parliament, 1971 Census should be the basis for it and appropriate Constitutional amendment should be done. Also, the 1971 Census should be basis for delimitation of LS seats for 30 years from 2026 and Prime Minister Narendra Modi should make an assurance in the Parliament, he asserted.

The JAC is to take forward such demands and create awareness among the people and the meet unanimously opposed delimitation exercise based on population, which will be a “threat to federalism and the rights of southern states to political representation.”

The meet underscored that Tamil Nadu is not against delimitation of Parliamentary constituencies. However, the proposed exercise must not become a punishment for implementing well the socio-economic welfare measures during the past 50 years.

The Centre declined to heed to the voice of the state, which has 39 Lok Sabha MPs. In case this number was reduced, it would become a big injustice for the state.

CM said that the all-party meeting is for understanding that the state has been pushed to a corner on the issue of delimitation, thereby prompting it to take up a struggle movement to secure its rights. “The delimitation sword is hanging over the head of south India and Tamil Nadu will be severely affected,” Stalin alleged.