Chennai: Upping the ante on the proposed delimitation exercise, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Monday said it affected the whole of South India. He also convened a meeting 40 registered political parties in Tamil Nadu on March 5 in Chennai to discuss the issue. 

“Delimitation isn’t just about Tamil Nadu, It affects all of South India. A democratic process should not penalise States that have successfully managed population growth, led in development, and made significant contributions to national progress. We need a fair, transparent, and equitable approach that upholds true federalism,” Mr Stalin said. 

Addressing journalists after chairing a Cabinet meeting, he said Tamil Nadu has been forced to wage a major battle for its rights. “The threat of delimitation is hanging over the southern States like a sword of Damocles. Tamil Nadu, a leader in Human Development Indices, faces serious danger. The Union government plans to conduct the delimitation exercise based on the 2026 Census,” he said. The DMK president pointed out population control was a key national objective, and Tamil Nadu had successfully implemented family planning.

Stalin feared the delimitation would reduce Tamil Nadu’s Lok Sabha seats from 39 to 31. Even if the delimitation was done after the overall seats in Lok Sabha is increased to 848, the State would get only 10 more seats as opposed to the proportional increase of 22 additional seats. “It is not just a reduction in numbers. It is about our rights. The voice of Tamil Nadu is being suppressed in the name of delimitation,” he said appealed to all to come together, transcending political differences, and raise voice against this. 

He followed this up by writing letters to leaders of various political parties urging them to join hands. He pointed out though Article 82 of the Constitution of India provided for readjustment of seats in the Lok Sabha based on a population census, the delimitation exercise was frozen till 2026 through several Constitutional Amendment Acts, due to pressure exerted by the southern States. Till 2026, the number of seats in Lok Sabha would be based on the 1971 Census.

“Though the delimitation exercise was frozen till 2026 to encourage States to implement population growth control measures, the performance of all States is not equal. The southern States, including Tamil Nadu, implemented several population growth control measures. However, in the name of delimitation, the Union government is trying to punish Tamil Nadu,” he charged.