Stalin proposed forming a Joint Action Committee with MPs and leaders from all southern states to raise public awareness against the delimitation, which he claimed could significantly cut the number of Parliamentary seats for the region.
The resolution received support from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam, Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist), and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML).
They advocated retaining the 1971 Census as the basis for constituency delimitation for another 30 years beyond 2026.
Concerns over seat reduction Â
Stalin argued that Tamil Nadu’s success in population control and women’s empowerment could ironically lead to the state losing eight Lok Sabha seats. “Reducing the number of Lok Sabha seats in the southern states is unjustifiable because they have effectively implemented population control measures,” he said, recalling a promise made by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2000 to base delimitation on the 1971 Census.
A second resolution proposed a constitutional amendment to proportionately increase seats for Tamil Nadu and other southern states if the total number of MPs was expanded. Stalin pointed out that if the current 543 Lok Sabha seats were retained, Tamil Nadu would lose eight seats. However, if the total seats were increased to 848, the state would gain 22 new seats, though its overall share would decline.
Political support and responses
AIADMK leader D Jayakumar supported the resolution, stressing that Tamil Nadu’s 7.2% representation in Parliament should not be reduced. Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi leader Thol Thirumavalan raised concerns about potential dilution of Dalit and minority votes under the delimitation process.
The BJP and its ally Tamil Maanila Congress boycotted the meeting. Meanwhile, actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam backed the resolution, with Vijay stating, “It would be a punishment for Tamil Nadu and the southern states if the Union Government reduced the number of Lok Sabha constituencies.”
As the debate over delimitation continues, Tamil Nadu leaders are pushing for a fair representation framework that does not penalise states for successful population control measures.
(With inputs from media reports)Â
