Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister, MK Stalin, has launched a scathing criticism against the central government regarding the proposed delimitation process. He emphasized that the state’s opposition was more than mere protest; it was described as a full-fledged battle. Stalin warned New Delhi against underestimating Tamil Nadu’s resolve by moving forward with the delimitation.
Speaking at a public gathering, Stalin stated, “Our stance against this unfair delimitation is not just a protest; it is a battle. Tamil Nadu has a rich history of engaging in conflicts.” He highlighted past mass movements in the state, such as the fight for social justice and language rights, mentioning the sacrifices made by individuals to defend their cultural identity.
Stressing the importance of protecting Tamil Nadu’s political rights, Stalin criticized the delimitation move based on the 2011 Census, arguing that it could disadvantage states that have effectively controlled their population growth. He cautioned that reallocating constituencies based on population could unfairly benefit states with higher growth rates while diminishing the representation of southern states.
Issuing a strong warning to the central government, Stalin urged against provoking Tamil Nadu’s resilience. He accused the BJP and its ally AIADMK of orchestrating a scheme to weaken and suppress the state’s voice through the delimitation process. Emphasizing the significance of upholding democratic values, the Chief Minister emphasized the need to protect people’s rights for fair elections.
During a recent parliamentary session, the DMK staged protests across Tamil Nadu, including burning a copy of the proposed legislation related to delimitation. Stalin condemned the bill as a “black law” and demanded its immediate withdrawal to safeguard the state’s interests.