New Delhi/Chennai: A high-level meeting convened by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to discuss the Centre’s proposed Delimitation Bill witnessed a major political divide on Saturday, as the State’s two largest parties — DMK and AIADMK — boycotted the gathering, calling it a “political drama.”
The meeting, attended by 21 of Tamil Nadu’s 57 Members of Parliament, unanimously rejected the Centre’s proposed delimitation exercise in its present form. Participating MPs expressed concern that a population-based redistribution of Lok Sabha seats could adversely affect Tamil Nadu and other southern States, which have successfully implemented population control measures over the years.
Apart from the ruling TVK, MPs from the Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), CPI, CPI(M), MDMK and IUML attended the meeting. However, MPs from DMK, AIADMK, DMDK, PMK and MNM stayed away.
DMK leader Kanimozhi Karunanidhi dismissed the meeting as a “diversionary political drama,” alleging that it was intended to shift public attention away from pressing issues such as the Mekedatu dam dispute and the Cauvery water issue. She maintained that the DMK’s stand against the proposed delimitation had remained unchanged and accused the State government of politicising the issue.
The Tamil Nadu government, however, defended the initiative, saying the objective was to evolve a common position among MPs from the State before Parliament takes up the delimitation proposal. Ministers also criticised the boycott by the DMK and AIADMK, accusing them of putting political considerations ahead of the State’s interests.
Following the meeting, the participating MPs resolved to oppose the proposed Delimitation Bill in its current form, arguing that any redistribution of parliamentary seats solely on the basis of population would dilute Tamil Nadu’s representation despite the State’s achievements in population stabilisation.
The delimitation issue has emerged as one of the most contentious political debates ahead of Parliament’s consideration of electoral reforms, with several southern States seeking safeguards to ensure they are not disadvantaged in future representation.
