Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin Calls All-Party Meet Over Looming Lok Sabha Seat Reduction Threat
The move comes amid fears that Tamil Nadu, currently represented by 39 parliamentary constituencies, could lose significant political clout due to its relatively controlled population growth
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has summoned an all-party meeting on March 5, 2025, to address growing concerns over a potential reduction in the state’s Lok Sabha seats as part of the upcoming delimitation process. The move comes amid fears that Tamil Nadu, currently represented by 39 parliamentary constituencies, could lose significant political clout due to its relatively controlled population growth—a result of effective family planning measures implemented over decades.
The delimitation exercise, expected to redraw constituency boundaries after 2026 based on updated census data, has sparked unease in southern states like Tamil Nadu. Stalin has argued that the state’s success in curbing population growth should not become a liability, potentially costing it up to eight Lok Sabha seats. “Tamil Nadu has adhered to national goals of population control,” Stalin remarked in a recent statement. “It’s unfair that this achievement could now weaken our voice in Parliament.”
The issue ties into a broader north-south debate in India’s political landscape. Southern states, which have historically prioritized education, healthcare, and family planning, worry they’ll lose representation to northern states with higher population growth rates. Tamil Nadu’s concerns echo those of neighbors like Andhra Pradesh and Kerala, which also face the prospect of reduced parliamentary influence.
The all-party meeting aims to forge a unified stance among Tamil Nadu’s political factions ahead of the delimitation process. Stalin has invited leaders from across the spectrum, including allies and opposition parties, to strategize on how to safeguard the state’s interests. Analysts suggest the state may push for a reevaluation of delimitation criteria, advocating that factors beyond mere population—such as economic contribution or governance metrics—be considered.
For now, Tamil Nadu’s leadership is rallying to protect its parliamentary strength, framing the issue as a matter of equity rather than regional rivalry. The outcome of the March 5 meeting could set the tone for how southern states navigate this contentious redistricting challenge in the years ahead.
Pic Credit PTI.
