Siddaramaiah To Join TN Delimitation Meet
Karnataka will condemn without hesitation any move by the Union Government that hurts the interests of the State, weakens democracy, and is against federalism: Karnataka CM
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddharamaiah has agreed to join a multi-state coalition that Tamil Nadu is trying to stitich up to fight the Union Government on delimitation of Parliament seats.
Siddharamaiah conveyed his support during his meeting with Tamil Nadu Forest Minister K. Ponmudy and Rajya Sabha member M.M.Abdulla who were there in Bengaluru to convey the letter to him personally.
The delegation invited the CM to join the Joint Action Committee which Tamil Nadu is building with Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal, Odisha and Punjab. The delegation also met Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
A statement from the Karanataka CM's office says, Siddharamaiah also spoke to his Tamil Nadu counterpart over a call in which he extended his support to the fight by the southern States. "Karnataka will condemn without hesitation any move by the Union Government that hurts the interests of the State, weakens democracy, and is against federalism," the statement said.
The letter by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin, released by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) in Bengaluru today, says that he is reaching out to CM Siddaramaiah with two specific requests. "Your formal consent to join a Joint Action Committee (JAC) comprising Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka in the South to West Bengal and Odisha to Punjab in the North." CM Stalin has also sought nomination of one senior representative from the Congress who can serve on the JAC and help coordinate a unified strategy. In his letter, the Tamil Nadu CM also states, "As an initial step towards unified action, I propose an inaugural meeting in Chennai on March 22, to chart our collective course forward. This moment demands leadership and collaboration, rising above political differences and standing up for our collective good."
"What is at stake is not any abstract principle - it is our states' ability to secure rightful resources for development, to influence crucial policies on education and healthcare and to ensure our economic priorities receive due attention in the national agenda. Let us stand together not as separate political entities but as protectors of our people's future."
Stalin, in the beginning of the letter, said, "The essence of India's democracy rests on its federal character. Today, I write with urgency at this balance faces a profound threat that could permanently diminish the influence of states like ours in shaping our nation's future."
