He had said Tamil Nadu was facing the “threat” of losing eight seats as the state has successfully implemented the family planning programme that led to population control. Stalin invited about 40 political parties registered with the Election Commission of India for the meeting and appealed for unity, overcoming political differences.
Stalin’s claims
“In the name of delimitation, a sword is hanging over southern states,” he had said.
He added that the state was leading in all development indices, but now faced the “threat” of losing out on the Lok Sabha seats post delimitation as the process would be based on the state’s population.
“Tamil Nadu succeeded in population control through the family planning programme. Just because the population is less, there is a situation of the Lok Sabha seats being cut down (in TN). We stand to lose 8 seats, and as a result, we would be having only 31 MPs and not the 39 (present number),” he had added.
“Our representation (in Parliament) will reduce, Tamil Nadu’s voice is being stifled. This is a matter of Tamil Nadu’s rights. All leaders and political parties should jointly speak across party lines on the issue,” the CM had said.
Centre’s remarks
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has accused Stalin of spreading “misinformation” and had assured the southern states that they will not lose a “single Parliamentary seat” due to delimitation.
“No southern state including Tamil Nadu would see a reduction in the Parliamentary representation when delimitation will be done on a pro rata basis…And I want to reassure the public of South India that Modi ji has kept your interest in mind to make sure that not even one seat is reduced pro rata. Whatever increase is there, Southern states will get a fair share, there is no reason to doubt this,” Shah had said.
Who is attending the all-party meet
AIADMK
Congress
TVK
Left parties
Who’s not attending the meeting
BJP
Tamil Maanila Congress (Moopanar)
Naam Tamilar Katchi
What is delimitation
Delimitation fixes the number of seats and boundaries of territorial constituencies in each State for the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies. The Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) seats are also determined likewise. The last Delimitation Commission was set up in 2002 but the last delimitation exercise was completed in 1976. Delimitation has been determined by the formula of allocating seats in the Lok Sabha based on the population of each state as far as possible. Essentially, seats are to be adjusted as per population changes.
The ‘Delimitation Commission’, set up under an act of Parliament, performs this process.
First Published:Â Mar 4, 2025 5:13 PM IST
