Stalin calls for ‘fair delimitation’ as he leads 'historic' opposition meet in Chennai

Chief Ministers and leaders from multiple  opposition parties-led states convened in Chennai for the first meeting of the Joint Action Committee, led by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin. Stalin clarified that the protest was not against delimitation itself but a demand for "fair delimitation."

He stated, "Our country has diverse cultures. Delimitation based on population figures will affect states like ours, as we have taken steps to control population growth. This could lead to fewer parliamentary seats for us. We must firmly oppose such a move. This protest is not against delimitation but for fair delimitation."

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin echoed this concern, pointing out that the participating states had worked hard to manage population growth. Instead of being rewarded, they now face the risk of reduced political representation.

"...For decades, these states have introduced policies and raised awareness to stabilise population growth. We reached the replacement rate earlier than many others, while some states still see rapid growth. Yet, instead of being recognised for our responsible efforts, we risk losing our voice in Parliament," he said.

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The meeting includes Chief Ministers and representatives from several states. However, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), despite supporting the DMK’s stance on delimitation, did not send any representatives.

Before the meeting, CM Stalin welcomed Telangana CM Revanth Reddy and Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar. He also honoured Chief Ministers and leaders attending the event.

Calling for a united political effort, Stalin urged parties to oppose delimitation, describing it as a "blatant assault on federalism." He had earlier written to the Chief Ministers of seven states—both from the ruling NDA and the opposition—seeking their support.

Ahead of the meeting, Stalin took to social media, calling the event a historic moment where states came together to protect India's federal structure by demanding #FairDelimitation.

The Tamil Nadu government, led by MK Stalin, has also clashed with the Centre over the three-language policy in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, alongside the delimitation issue.