'A Conspiracy to Disenfranchise Tamil Nadu': Rahul Gandhi Attacks Proposed Delimitation

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the proposed delimitation exercise, alleging that it is aimed at reducing Tamil Nadu's political influence and disenfranchising its people. Speaking to reporters amid speculation that the Centre may reintroduce the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill in Parliament, the Congress leader claimed the proposal was designed to weaken the state and urged all political parties to oppose it. He accused the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of attempting to alter the country's political balance through the exercise.

Addressing the media, Gandhi said that anyone supporting the proposed delimitation was "betraying Tamil Nadu" and its future. He alleged that the exercise was part of a broader political strategy to diminish the state's representation in Parliament. Calling upon regional and national parties to unite against the proposal, he urged lawmakers to defeat the Bill if it is introduced in the House, arguing that it would adversely affect the interests of the people of Tamil Nadu.

The Congress MP also invoked the historical figure Ettappan, who is widely regarded in Tamil cultural history as a symbol of betrayal, to criticise supporters of the proposal. Referring to them as "21st-century Ettappans", Gandhi said no Tamil should support delimitation and appealed to all political parties in the state to oppose the measure. He maintained that the issue concerns the political future of Tamil Nadu and should be resisted collectively in Parliament.

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The remarks come amid speculation that the Centre could revive the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, which proposes increasing the strength of the Lok Sabha to as many as 850 seats while facilitating the implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, providing 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures. The possibility of the Bill's return has triggered renewed political debate, particularly among parties in southern India over its potential impact on parliamentary representation.

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader TKS Elangovan also claimed that the government was attempting to bring back the delimitation-linked legislation in Parliament. He said political parties have offered various suggestions and stressed that the number of Lok Sabha seats allocated to southern states should not be reduced under any future delimitation exercise. As discussions continue, the proposed legislation is expected to remain a major political issue during the ongoing Parliament session.

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