In the first Joint Action Committee (JAC) meeting of states, hosted by Tamil Nadu’s ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) regarding the proposed delimitation of Parliamentary seats by the Centre, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Saturday emphasized that the issue is likely to be taken to the legal domain.
During the meeting, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan raised concerns that the proposed delimitation was hanging like the “sword of Damocles” over the southern states. He accused the BJP-led Central Government of pushing the issue forward without proper consultation. He further remarked that this move was not based on constitutional or democratic principles but was driven by political interests.
Vijayan pointed out that delimitation after the Census would result in an increase in seats for northern states and a reduction in seats for southern states, which, he alleged, would benefit the BJP due to its stronger influence in northern regions.
Addressing the gathering, CM Stalin called for the formation of an expert panel to draft a political and legal action plan on the issue. He proposed naming the panel as the “Joint Action Committee for Fair Delimitation” and stressed the need for collective efforts to protect the representation of southern states.
“We are not against delimitation, but we demand a fair delimitation,” Stalin asserted, adding that continuous efforts are crucial to safeguard the rights of southern states. He also emphasized the importance of raising public awareness and urging the Centre to reconsider the approach to delimitation.
Stalin concluded by calling for a united fight to ensure that southern states do not lose their rightful representation in Parliament.
