Tamil Nadu to Pass Assembly Resolution Against Delimitation After All-Party Meet

The Tamil Nadu government plans to introduce a resolution in the state Assembly formally opposing any delimitation exercise that could alter the state’s representation. The decision followed an all-party consultation convened by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay with Members of Parliament. Participants agreed to seek the continuation of the existing distribution of seats, arguing that Tamil Nadu could not afford a reduction in its representation for at least the next 40 to 50 years.

Nineteen MPs attended the meeting, including representatives of the ruling TVK alliance and parties such as the Congress, VCK, MDMK and IUML. Members of the CPI and CPI(M), described as friendly parties, also participated. All leaders present were given an opportunity to express their views, while four of the Congress’s 11 MPs spoke during the consultation. Vijay addressed the gathering for around six minutes towards the end of the meeting.

The participants decided that the ruling alliance would press for a permanent freeze on the current strength of 543 Lok Sabha seats nationally and Tamil Nadu’s allocation of 39 seats. Congress representatives reportedly said the government must explain to the public why it opposed an increase in seats and clarify the broader implications of delimitation. The proposed Assembly resolution emerged as one of the principal suggestions made during the discussion.

Also Read: A Cauvery Protest in Thanjavur Ended Up Overshadowed By Personal Row

Congress MP Jothimani welcomed the consultation and said her party would not support delimitation. She argued that changing the representation formula could undermine democracy and said Vijay had demonstrated his commitment to protecting Tamil Nadu’s interests and rights. Leaders at the meeting maintained that the current arrangement should continue, reflecting concerns that a population-based redistribution could affect the state’s political influence in Parliament.

The opposition DMK boycotted the meeting, with party Deputy General Secretary Kanimozhi Karunanidhi questioning the chief minister’s priorities. She challenged Vijay to send state government representatives and Tamil Nadu MPs to meet the Union Jal Shakti Minister and submit the Assembly’s resolution opposing Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu dam. Vijay reportedly expressed disappointment that a party which had governed Tamil Nadu for six terms chose not to participate.

Kanimozhi said the DMK remained opposed to any delimitation formula that could reduce Tamil Nadu’s parliamentary representation or harm the state’s rights. She noted that several parties attending Vijay’s consultation had also participated in previous all-party discussions on the issue. The Union government has not announced plans to introduce a Delimitation Bill during the current parliamentary session or communicated a proposal to amend the existing law.

Also Read: Udhayanidhi Stalin Defiant After Arrest Over Trisha Remarks Row