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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay’s attempt to bring the state’s MPs together over the Union government’s proposed delimitation exercise is facing hiccups. Both the AIADMK and DMK have decided to stay away from the all party meeting scheduled for August 8.
Vijay had convened the meeting at 3 pm to discuss the proposed redrawing of parliamentary constituencies and explore a common strategy on the issue. The proposed delimitation has become a major political flashpoint in Tamil Nadu amid concerns that a population-based redistribution of seats could increase the representation of northern states while reducing the influence of southern states.
The meeting is being held amid reports that the Union government could bring back legislation linked to delimitation and the implementation of women's reservation. The proposed exercise is expected to use the 2011 Census as its basis and could increase the strength of the Lok Sabha from the current 543 seats to around 850.
Tamil Nadu parties opposing the exercise have argued that states which have successfully controlled population growth should not be penalised with a smaller share of parliamentary representation. They have also raised concerns that reduced representation could affect the south's bargaining power on issues such as the distribution of Union government funds and tax devolution.
The AIADMK has decided not to participate in Vijay’s meeting, with reports indicating that its MPs, including M Thambidurai and IS Inpadurai, are currently in New Delhi. The DMK has also decided to boycott the meeting. The party has consistently opposed the proposed delimitation exercise and had previously demanded a 25-year freeze on the number of Lok Sabha constituencies at the existing strength of 543.
DMK MP Kanimozhi said in a statement, “There is no change in the DMK’s previous position on the constituency redefinition. The DMK will not participate in the political drama being conducted by the TVK government in the name of MPs’ consultative meeting,”
The DMK's absence is significant as the party has a substantial parliamentary presence in Tamil Nadu and has been among the most vocal opponents of the Union's proposed exercise.
The AIADMK and DMK are not the only parties staying away. The Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) is also not expected to participate, with MP Sutheesh reportedly deciding against attending the meeting. The Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) will also be absent, with its Rajya Sabha MP Kamal Haasan currently in the United States.
Members of the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) are also not participating in the consultation.
With these parties staying away, only 20 of Tamil Nadu's 57 Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs are expected to attend the meeting. The participating MPs are from the Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Communist Party of India (CPI), Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK).
The Congress has 12 MPs participating, while the VCK has two and the CPI has two. The IUML and MDMK have one participating MP each. The Communist Party of India (Marxist), which has two MPs from the state, is also represented at the meeting.
