Delimitation: South stands united at Chennai meeting

TAMIL Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Saturday convened the first meeting of states over delimitation in Chennai. During the meeting, MK Stalin suggested that the delimitation of constituencies should not happen as per the current population, arguing that adequate representation in Parliament was needed to voice state-specific views.

Here are top 10 key takeaways from the meeting:

Opposing delimitation of constituencies based on the current population, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) chief said, “Delimitation of constituencies should not happen as per current population. We all should be firm in opposing it...With the decrease in the people's representatives in Parliament, our strength to express our views will decrease,” reported ANI.

MK Stalin asserted that in Indian history, the formation of a Joint Action Committee (JAC) has always been significant. He underscored the presence of several Chief Ministers, Deputy Chief Ministers, and key leaders from various parties for the concerning issue of protecting state rights.
DMK chief announced that the state government would fight until delimitation is conducted fairly.

Referring to the cadre of ministers present at the meeting, MK Stalin said, “We stand united for all of India, not just the South.” Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan Telangana CM Revanth Reddy and other dignitaries participated in the event.

He further noted that the state cannot accept delimitation unless it is fair as a reduction in parliamentary seats poses a serious threat.

The 72-year-old DMK leader alleged that the citizens of the state are being punished for successfully controlling the fertility rate.

Pointing to the silence over Manipur situation, he said that Manipur’s voice is already being suppressed due to its limited representation in Parliament.

MK Stalin concluded that if the delimitation exercise proceeds unfairly, it will lead to external dominance over its state's subjects. Last but not the least, he reiterated, “DMK is NOT against delimitation. What it's demanding is FAIR DELIMITATION.”

Telangana CM Revanth Reddy blamed BJP for imposing a policy of “demographic penalty” at delimitation meet in Chennai

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan said, “Our states are now set to be punished precisely for our sincere implementation of the National Population Policy of 1976. When a state faithfully implements a nationally regularised policy, it deserves special consideration for that very reason," ANI reported.

Pinarayi Vijayan alleged that the state is not being granted special consideration and is instead being penalised for fulfilling its duty to the nation.