Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai

Chennai, Mar 22: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has strongly criticized the BJP-led Union Government for allegedly proceeding with the delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies without consultation, calling it a politically motivated move rather than a democratic necessity. Speaking at a Joint Action Council meeting convened by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, Vijayan warned that the proposed delimitation threatens to drastically reduce the representation of southern states in Parliament while benefiting northern states where the BJP holds greater influence. The meeting was attended by three Chief Ministers, a Deputy Chief Minister, and several prominent political leaders, signaling a growing collective resistance against the move.

Vijayan stated that if delimitation is carried out purely based on population, states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka—which have successfully implemented population control measures—would unfairly lose seats in Parliament. Meanwhile, northern states, where population growth has remained high, would gain more representation, strengthening their political clout. He condemned this approach as a punishment for the responsible governance of southern states, which have effectively adhered to the National Population Policy of 1976.

The Kerala CM further highlighted that Kerala’s share of national funds has been steadily declining, despite the state's efficient policies. He pointed out that during the 10th Finance Commission, Kerala’s share was 3.875%, but this was slashed to just 1.925% in the 15th Finance Commission. He argued that controlling population growth inevitably leads to higher public health spending, yet the Union Government has failed to compensate states for their responsible policies. If Kerala’s representation in Parliament is reduced further, the state will not only lose political power but also its ability to demand a fair share of national resources.

Expressing concern over the broader implications of this move, Vijayan emphasized that it is not just Kerala that stands to lose but several other states as well. He noted that Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Odisha, West Bengal, and Punjab have now joined forces to oppose the proposed delimitation, recognizing it as a direct threat to federalism and equitable governance. Thanking M.K. Stalin for initiating the discussion, he stated that this meeting marks the beginning of a coordinated resistance, and a Joint Action Committee will be formed to push back against the move.

Vijayan accused the Union Government of systematically undermining India’s federal structure through its fiscal, cultural, and now parliamentary policies. He reminded that India’s Constitution identifies the nation as a ‘Union of States,’ ensuring a federal balance, but the current efforts at delimitation threaten to disrupt this equilibrium. He pointed out that in the 2011 Census, Kerala’s population growth was just 4.92%, significantly lower than the national average of 17.7%. The last Lok Sabha seat reorganization took place in 1973 based on the 1971 Census, when Kerala accounted for 3.89% of India’s population. Due to successful population control policies, this share shrunk to 2.76% by 2011, and if delimitation proceeds, Kerala will likely lose more seats.

Asserting that states should not be penalized for responsible governance, Vijayan declared that this fight is about more than just political representation—it is about preserving India's democratic and federal identity. He concluded by affirming that federalism is not a gift from the Union but a constitutional right of the states, and this battle is essential to protect the nation’s democratic fabric.