Stalin Calls for United Opposition Against Delimitation

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has urged his counterparts in southern and eastern India to unite against the delimitation exercise, cautioning that if implemented based on the next census, it would significantly reduce the political representation of states that have effectively controlled their population. In a letter addressed to multiple Chief Ministers and former Chief Ministers on Thursday, Stalin described the Union government’s delimitation plans as a direct threat to federalism. Stalin emphasized the need for a collective stand to safeguard the rights of states that have prioritized population control.

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Stalin Warns of Threat to Federalism and Tamil Nadu’s Political Representation

The strength of India’s democracy lies in its federal structure, which ensures every state has a rightful voice while upholding our national unity, Stalin wrote. I write with urgency today as this balance is under serious threat, potentially weakening the role of states like ours in shaping the nation’s future.Stalin’s appeal comes after a historic all-party meeting held by the Tamil Nadu government on March 5, where political adversaries including the ruling DMK, as well as opposition parties like the AIADMK, Congress, and the Left united to oppose what he called a direct assault on Tamil Nadu’s political representation in India’s democracy.

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Raises Concern Over Seat Reduction for Population-Controlled States

Stalin’s primary concern is that Tamil Nadu and other states that have effectively implemented family planning over the years may lose parliamentary seats to states with higher population growth. He warned that Tamil Nadu, which currently holds 39 Lok Sabha seats, could see a reduction of up to eight seats, while states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar could gain significantly if the next delimitation is based on post-2026 population data.The question is no longer whether delimitation will happen, but when and whether it will fairly acknowledge the contributions of states that have advanced national priorities, Stalin cautioned in his letter.

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Cites Past Amendments and Warns of Accelerated Delimitation

He highlighted past parliamentary decisions that froze delimitation in 1976 through the 42nd Amendment and later extended it via the 84th Amendment until after the first census post-2026, recognizing the importance of promoting population control. “With the 2021 Census delayed, the delimitation process originally expected after the 2031 Census could now be expedited. This acceleration leaves us with very little time to safeguard our interests.

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Opposes Unfair Delimitation, Suggests Two Possible Outcomes

While clarifying that we are not against delimitation itself, Stalin firmly opposed its use as a tool against states that have successfully fulfilled their national responsibilities, arguing that it unfairly penalizes progress. He outlined two possible outcomes: one where the existing 543 Lok Sabha seats are redistributed among states, and another where the total number of seats is expanded to over 800.

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