Speaking at the Joint Action Committee (JAC) meeting against the Union government's proposed delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said, “If we allow the number of constituencies or our representation to be reduced, we risk becoming disempowered citizens in our own country. That is why I say the issue of delimitation should not be taken lightly.” The meeting was held in Chennai on March 22. The meet also called for a 25-year freeze on the number of Lok Sabha seats,
Organised by the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government, the meeting saw a show of strength from leaders of southern states, as well as from Punjab and Odisha. Chief Ministers Pinarayi Vijayan, Revanth Reddy, and Bhagwant Mann were in attendance. Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader KT Rama Rao were also present. Former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik joined via video call. From the Tamil Nadu government, CM MK Stalin, Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin, and DMK deputy general secretary Kanimozhi were among the senior leaders who participated.
Stalin added: “States like ours, which have controlled population growth through various social initiatives and progressive welfare schemes, will lose our parliamentary representation significantly due to this exercise. That is why we are at a juncture where we must oppose this strongly and firmly.”
He continued, “We must be absolutely clear that ‘delimitation based on the current population’ cannot be accepted. Every state here has shown significant progress in population control. This move is going to punish such states. By reducing the number of people’s representatives, our voice will be muffled. For two years, Manipur has been burning. But their voices for justice are being ignored—because they do not have the political strength to attract the attention of the country.”
Stalin also said that a reduction in the number of parliamentary seats or in representation would lead to a loss of political strength. He stated that their opposition to delimitation is “not just about numbers. It is about our power, our rights, and the interests of our future. With reduced representation, our states will have to struggle even to get the funds we rightfully deserve. Laws will be enacted concerning us without our consent. Decisions that affect our people will be made by those who do not know us and our needs.”
He further alleged that women would face setbacks in achieving their due share in power and that students would lose important opportunities.
“Our culture, identity, and progress will be under great threat. The social justice that we have cherished and protected for ages will be compromised. Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities will be particularly affected,” Stalin added.
“Let me make one thing clear: we are not against any measure that strengthens democratic representation. But we insist that such a measure should not affect the fair political representation of our states. This protest is not against delimitation. I think everyone will agree that this protest is for fair delimitation,” the Tamil Nadu CM said.
Stalin also pointed out that if the existing 543 seats are reduced based on the current population, Tamil Nadu would lose eight seats. If the total number of seats in Parliament is increased, Tamil Nadu will lose 12 seats compared to the actual increase it should receive based on its current representation. “This will be a direct blow to our political representation,” he said.
Stalin added: “Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said that Tamil Nadu and other southern states will not lose parliamentary seats on a proportional basis. His explanation, however, was unclear and confusing. Prime Minister Modi, who came to Telangana to campaign in 2023, said at the time, ‘The Congress party is saying that a caste census should be conducted and communities should be given representation based on population. The next step is disdelimitation. If the Parliament constituencies are changed based on the current population as the Congress party is saying, the southern states will lose 100 seats. Will the people of South India accept this?’”
Referring to the PM’s earlier statements, Stalin said, “It is clear that he has admitted the number of constituencies will decrease. The BJP has always been a party that deprives states of their rights. They want to implement their ulterior motives through the delimitation plan.”
The Tamil Nadu CM also proposed setting up a committee of experts to define the political and legal measures needed to oppose delimitation.