Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, March 22: Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar stated on Saturday that all states opposing the Union government’s delimitation proposal would join forces to ensure that no state loses its parliamentary seats.
Addressing the media in Chennai, Shivakumar expressed his firm stance, saying, “We will stand united and fight this out. We will ensure that none of our seats are reduced. Let us all come together. I hope the media understands our concerns. We are not fighting for a personal cause but for the larger cause of this country. We are among the most literate states, and economically, we contribute significantly to the nation’s growth. We are earning and contributing to the national pool.”
The Deputy CM stressed the importance of upholding the federal structure of India. “I am very proud that we are upholding the federal structure. I always say that coming together is the beginning, discussing issues is progress, and working together is success,” Shivakumar said.
He also referred to the 84th Constitutional Amendment introduced by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2002, which fixed the number of seats in the Lok Sabha. Shivakumar emphasised, “At any cost, we cannot let down our country or our seats. The 84th Constitutional Amendment, introduced by the late Vajpayee in 2002, cannot be altered.”
The deputy chief minister then highlighted the contribution of southern states, particularly in the areas of family planning, economic growth, and literacy.
“We in South India have always protected national interests by effectively implementing family planning. Ours is a very progressive region. Economically and in terms of literacy, we have made rapid progress. In planning, we have always prioritised the nation’s interests over our own. This should not be seen as a disadvantage. That is why we have all come together to discuss this issue and put forth our demands,” he said.
Shivakumar concluded by stating that despite previous concessions, the state would now raise its voice on the issue. “Despite everything, we continue to accept whatever is given to us. But now, we will raise our voice. I hope the people of this country understand our concerns and that justice prevails,” he said.
The deputy chief minister also responded to criticism from the BJP, who had protested the meeting by waving black flags. "I welcome all the black flags of the BJP. I was not afraid when they sent me to Tihar Jail, and I am not afraid now. The officer leading this protest is a poor man from my state who has served us. He knows our strength. Let him do his job. I wish him all the best," Shivakumar remarked.
The reference was to Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai, who previously served as an IPS officer in Karnataka.