Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin Hits Out At Centre, Calls Census Delay BJP’s Clear Plan To Reduce States' Parliamentary Representation

Chennai: Hours after the Centre announced the Census 2027 schedule on Wednesday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Union Government of deliberately delaying the national Census, in what he termed as a “clear plan” to reduce Tamil Nadu’s representation in Parliament. The sharp attack came via a strongly worded tweet, where Stalin reiterated his long-standing apprehension that the BJP intended to use the delimitation process to weaken the political voice of southern states.

“The Indian Constitution mandates that delimitation must follow the first Census after 2026,” Stalin posted. “The BJP has now delayed the Census to 2027, making their plan clear to reduce Tamil Nadu’s Parliamentary representation.”

Stalin, who is also the president of the ruling DMK, said he had already warned about such a move. “It is now unfolding,” he declared.

Turning his fire on AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, Stalin accused the Opposition leader of siding with the BJP in the “betrayal.” “By siding with the BJP, Palaniswami is not just silent but complicit in this betrayal. It’s now clear that he has surrendered to Delhi’s domination,” he charged.

“The people of Tamil Nadu are united as one in their demand for a Fair Delimitation,” he stated, adding, “We need clear answers from the Union Government.”