Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai
Chennai, Mar 22: Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has strongly opposed the proposed delimitation exercise, calling it a threat to the political representation of southern states and urging collective resistance. Addressing delegates at the inaugural Joint Action Committee (JAC) meeting on delimitation, convened by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, he emphasized the risks posed to states that have successfully implemented population control measures.
“We are at a crucial juncture where our voices and rights are under real threat. This proposed delimitation is an unfair move that penalizes states like Tamil Nadu, which took proactive steps to stabilize population growth,” he stated.
Udhayanidhi Stalin argued that states that acted responsibly by promoting family planning should not be disadvantaged. “Instead of being rewarded for reaching the population replacement rate early, we now face the possibility of losing political representation,” he said.
Explaining the constitutional framework, he noted that parliamentary seat allocation has historically been based on census data. “The last delimitation, based on the 1971 census, fixed the number of Lok Sabha seats at 543. The 42nd Amendment in 1976 froze delimitation to protect population-stabilized states, and this was extended by the 84th Amendment in 2002 until 2026. With the freeze set to expire soon and the 2021 census delayed, uncertainty looms,” he warned.
He criticized the Central government for its inconsistent stance. “Home Minister Amit Shah told Parliament in 2023 that Lok Sabha seats would increase after delimitation, while Prime Minister Modi claimed in an election rally that southern states could lose around 100 seats. Recently, Shah assured Coimbatore that Tamil Nadu would not be affected. These contradictions only add to the confusion,” he said.
Udhayanidhi Stalin outlined two possible outcomes if the freeze is lifted: redistribution of the existing 543 seats based on the 2026 census or an increase to 848 seats, followed by redistribution. “Either way, our representation will shrink,” he asserted.
He highlighted that the states represented at the JAC currently hold 163 of the 543 Lok Sabha seats (30%). “If delimitation proceeds, this could drop to 133 seats (24%). Kerala alone may lose 8 of its 20 seats – a 40% reduction,” he warned, adding that even if seats increase, southern states’ overall share would shrink to 24.7% from 30%.
The Deputy Chief Minister warned that states with high population growth, like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, would benefit disproportionately, leading to policy decisions favoring a few states at the expense of the South and other regions that adhered to family planning goals.
“This is not just about numbers; it’s a calculated move to weaken the influence of non-BJP ruled states,” he said. Calling for unity, he urged all states to demand that their proportional representation be maintained, regardless of seat expansion. “This is about safeguarding democracy and ensuring justice for future generations. We must stand united and fight for a fair delimitation process that upholds balanced representation,” he declared.