DMK Convenes Opposition Meeting in Tamil Nadu over Delimitation Issue. Chief Minister Stalin Calls it the Beginning of a Movement for Impartial Delimitation and Attacks Amit Shah.
Delimitation Row: Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin convened a meeting of opposition parties in Chennai on Saturday to discuss the delimitation issue. The meeting was attended by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, and other state chief ministers and opposition leaders. Stalin expressed doubts about the assurances given by Union Home Minister Amit Shah that the upcoming delimitation would not affect the parliamentary seats of South Indian states.
Kerala CM's Statement: BJP Proceeding with Delimitation Without Consultation
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated that the proposed delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies is a serious concern for the country. He alleged that the BJP-led central government is proceeding with the delimitation process without consulting any state. He argued that this move is against constitutional principles and democratic necessities.
CM Stalin Expresses Doubts: "Don't Trust Amit Shah's Words"
Chief Minister MK Stalin clarified that the opposition is not against delimitation itself, but opposes the unfair formula that will adversely affect states that have successfully controlled population growth. Stalin stated that he does not trust Amit Shah's assurance that the delimitation will not jeopardize the seats of South Indian states.
Telangana CM Accuses BJP of Implementing "Demographic Penalty"
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy alleged that the BJP government is implementing a policy of "demographic penalty." He said that the delimitation process should not involve any increase in the number of Lok Sabha seats. He believes this move is against states that have achieved success in population control.
Naveen Patnaik's Statement: Several States Have Succeeded in Population Control
BJD president Naveen Patnaik, participating virtually, called the meeting significant. He pointed out that several states, including Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, West Bengal, Punjab, and Odisha, have successfully controlled their populations. Patnaik argued that had these states not played their part in population stabilization, India might have faced a population explosion, which would not have been conducive to the country's development.
BJP's Opposition: "More Important to Debate Delimitation"
BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi reacted to the meeting, stating that instead of protests, serious debate and discussion on delimitation are needed. Naqvi also pointed out that this is not the first instance of delimitation, as it also occurred during Congress rule. He suggested that their concerns should be presented to the delimitation committee.
