A powerful show of unity unfolded in Chennai on March 21, 2025, as the DMK hosted a major Opposition meet to tackle the delimitation issue. Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin led the charge, warning that an unfair delimitation process could harm southern states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Telangana by cutting their parliamentary seats. The Joint Action Committee (JAC) meeting saw leaders from multiple states, including Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, Telangana CM A Revanth Reddy, and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, join hands to demand a fair process. Stalin called it a “historic day for Indian federalism,” but the absence of TMC and Andhra Pradesh’s Chandrababu Naidu, a BJP ally, highlighted the challenges of building a united front.
A Fight for Fair Representation
The JAC meeting at a Chennai hotel focused on creating a joint plan to counter the delimitation exercise, set to happen after 2026. M K Stalin stressed that states like Tamil Nadu, which controlled population growth, shouldn’t lose parliamentary seats for their success. He warned that reducing seats would weaken their voice in Parliament, threatening Indian federalism and democracy itself.
- Stalin’s Warning: “It will strike at the foundation of federalismin India.”
- Key Attendees: Karnataka Deputy CM D K Shivakumar, BJD’s Amar Patnaik, and BRS’s K T Rama Rao joined the meet.
- TMC Skips Out: West Bengal’s TMCchose not to attend, despite being invited.
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Why Southern States Are Worried
Southern states fear that a population-based delimitation will favor northern states with higher populations, cutting their influence in Parliament. Stalin pointed out that states like Tamil Nadu, which lead in education, healthcare, and economic growth, could lose out. He called for the 1971 Census to remain the basis for seat allocation for another 30 years, a demand echoed by other leaders. Telangana CM A Revanth Reddy framed it as a fight for “federal equity,” while Shivakumar urged a national debate on the issue.
A Political Milestone for DMK
The Opposition meet marked a big moment for the DMK, as even the INDIA bloc hasn’t held such a high-profile gathering in Tamil Nadu. M K Stalin’s push against delimitation is seen as a broader battle for state rights, with the JAC aiming to rally more support. The BJP boycotted the event, but Stalin hopes the Centre will take notice after seeing so many states unite. With southern states standing together, the fight for fair delimitation is heating up, and the DMK is leading the charge to protect their voice in India’s democracy.
