MATTER OF OUR RIGHTS!! Delimitation a Matter of Tamil Nadu’s Rights, Not Politics: Stalin

Chief Minister M K Stalin on Monday urged political parties not to view the proposed delimitation exercise through a partisan lens, emphasizing that it is a critical issue tied to Tamil Nadu’s rights and interests. Speaking at a function in Nagapattinam, the DMK president accused the union government of attempting to reduce Tamil Nadu’s parliamentary seats as part of the delimitation process, likening it to the imposition of a compulsory three-language policy.

Stalin highlighted the state’s proactive response, announcing an all-party meeting scheduled for March 5 to discuss the delimitation proposal. He noted that while most of the 40 invited parties have confirmed their participation, a few, including the BJP and G K Vaasan’s TMC (Moopanar), have opted out. Appealing to these parties, Stalin stressed, “This isn’t about DMK versus your party. It’s about Tamil Nadu—its rights and its future.”

The Chief Minister urged dissenting parties to reconsider their stance and join the dialogue, arguing that safeguarding the state’s representation transcends political rivalries. “Don’t evaluate this through the prism of politics,” he said, reinforcing that the delimitation debate is a collective responsibility to protect Tamil Nadu’s interests against perceived central overreach.

The union government’s delimitation plans have sparked concerns in southern states like Tamil Nadu, where population control measures could lead to fewer seats compared to northern states. Stalin’s call for unity underscores the stakes involved as Tamil Nadu braces for a contentious battle over its political voice.