Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin convened a meeting with several state leaders to discuss delimitation, emphasizing the need for fair representation based on the historical population figures. The BJP criticized the meeting as a diversion from serious issues. The ongoing delimitation debate represents escalating tensions between the DMK and the BJP regarding governance and state representation.

On Saturday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin hosted a significant meeting in Chennai addressing the issue of delimitation. Leaders from multiple states convened, expressing their commitment to ensure a fair delimitation process. CM Stalin declared that this day would be “etched in history” as states uniting to reinforce the federal structure through FairDelimitation. He emphasized that the meeting marked the commencement of a movement focused on equitable representation in Parliament.

Stalin stressed the necessity for delimitation of constituencies to be independent of current population statistics, warning that diminishing representatives in Parliament would undermine the ability to voice concerns effectively. Notable attendees included chief ministers from Kerala, Telangana, and Punjab, alongside other influential political figures across states such as Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal.

BJP officials, including Tamil Nadu President K. Annamalai, critiqued the meeting as mere political theatrics, branding it a “delusional drama”. They criticized Stalin for not addressing pressing inter-state disputes like the Cauvery water-sharing conflict with Karnataka and the Mullaiperiyar issue with Kerala, labeling the meeting a distraction and a platform for corruption.

Amid ongoing tensions, the delimitation debate has heightened disagreements between the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu and the BJP government at the center. The delimitation process entails re-evaluating constituency boundaries based on population data. CM Stalin’s proposal suggests using the 1971 population figures for the next 30 years for such delineation, which he asserts should safeguard Tamil Nadu’s representation percentage in Parliament.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has countered concerns over seat allocation, ensuring that Southern states would not experience a reduction in Parliamentary representation. Shah also called for unity among political factions, expressing that divisions based on language should be avoided and underscoring Hindi’s supportive role among Indian languages.

The meeting in Tamil Nadu underscores the clash between state and national governance related to representation and delimitation, reflecting broader tensions between regional parties and the central government. CM Stalin’s assertive stance on fair representation has garnered support from other state leaders, contrasting sharply with BJP’s denouncement of the gathering. The future of delimitation continues to be a contentious issue, and the dialogues initiated by this meeting may set the tone for subsequent political dynamics in India.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com

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