Days After Mega Delimitation Huddle, MK Stalin’s Letter To PM Modi

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has requested a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, shortly after the DMK leader convened a gathering of leading Opposition figures to strategize against the suggested delimitation of parliamentary constituencies.

In a letter dated March 27, which he made public only this morning, Mr. Stalin mentioned that he has sought a meeting with PM Modi alongside MPs from different parties to present a “Memorandum on Delimitation” – stemming from fears that southern states might lose parliamentary representation because of their effectiveness in population control.

Mr. Stalin stated that the March 22 gathering of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) regarding ‘Fair Delimitation’ united the nation’s key leaders, encompassing Chief Ministers and their deputies, along with representatives from various political beliefs.

“The voices emerging from our deliberations transcend political boundaries, embodying the concerns of citizens from diverse regions who seek fair representation in our parliamentary democracy. As this holds significant importance to our states and citizens, I kindly request a meeting with you to formally submit the Memorandum on behalf of the Joint Action Committee,” MK Stalin wrote in his letter to PM Modi.

A resolution passed at the meeting voiced concern over a lack of transparency in the proposed process of delimitation and called for dialogue involving state governments, political parties, and civil society.

Delimitation, a procedure that evaluates the representation of states in the parliament according to their updated population numbers, could occur after the upcoming census. Opposition groups are concerned that the northern states with larger populations will benefit from this process, diminishing the portion of southern states.

Mr. Stalin, a prominent critic, advocated for a “just delimitation,” implying that the issue pertains not to the number of MPs but to the states’ rights. The BJP, which governs the central administration, dismissed the DMK leader’s worries and accused the party of disseminating untrue propaganda. Union Minister G Kishan Reddy stated that the DMK is attempting to protect itself from corruption charges by discussing delimitation and “Hindi imposition”.