Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Friday wrote to various Chief Ministers and former Chief Ministers, warning that the upcoming delimitation exercise by the Union Government could "permanently diminish the influence of States like ours in shaping our nation's future."
In a strongly worded letter, Stalin called for a Joint Action Committee (JAC) comprising leaders from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, West Bengal, Odisha, and Punjab to collectively oppose what he described as the "weaponisation" of delimitation against States that have successfully controlled their population growth.
Stalin pointed out the delimitation process had been frozen since 1976 to encourage population control, with an extension granted through the 84th Constitutional Amendment until after the first census post-2026. However, he cautioned that the delayed 2021 Census may lead to an accelerated delimitation process, leaving little time for States to protect their interests.
"If the exercise is conducted as per the next census population, those States which controlled their population and achieved superior governance indicators will face an unjust punishment – reduced representation in the very forum where national policies are determined," Stalin warned.
Two Possible Scenarios
The Chief Minister explained that reports suggest two potential approaches. One, redistribution of the existing 543 Lok Sabha seats among States. Two, an increase in the total number of seats beyond 800.
In both cases, States that have successfully implemented population control measures stand to lose significantly, as seat allocation would be based on post-2026 population figures.
"We should not be thus penalised for effectively controlling population growth and upholding national development goals," Stalin argued, criticising the lack of clarity from the Union Government on how seats would be allocated.
To counter the perceived threat, Stalin had convened an All-Party Meeting on March 5, where leaders from various political parties in Tamil Nadu united to demand a fair delimitation process. The meeting resolved to form the Joint Action Committee (JAC) and reach out to other affected States.
"I now reach out to you with two specific requests," Stalin wrote, urging his counterparts to formally join the JAC and nominate a senior representative from their party to coordinate a unified strategy.
As an initial step, he proposed an inaugural meeting in Chennai on March 22, where leaders can "rise above political differences and stand up for our collective good."
A Crucial Battle for Federalism
Stalin emphasised this issue is not just about Tamil Nadu but about preserving the federal structure of India.
"When the very foundation of our democracy is at stake, can we accept such vague assurances?" he questioned, urging fellow leaders to demand transparency and fairness.
With the battle lines drawn, the coming weeks will reveal how other regional leaders respond to this call for unity against a potential shift in India's political balance.
