NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has addressed concerns regarding the impending delimitation exercise, assuring that southern states will not experience a reduction in their parliamentary seats.
Speaking at the inauguration of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) offices in Coimbatore, Tiruvannamalai, and Ramanathapuram, Shah stated, โToday a meeting will be held to ensure the South does not suffer on account of delimitation. The public in Tamil Nadu is disturbed. This is why the Tamil Nadu CM (Stalin) and his son (Udhayanidhi) are trying to distract the public. Mr Stalin, the Modi government has made it clear in Lok Sabha that after delimitation, on pro rata basis, not a single seat will be reduced in any southern state. And I want to reassure the public of South India that Modi ji has kept your interest in mind to make sure that not even one seat is reduced pro rata. And whatever increase is there, southern states will get a fair share, there is no reason to doubt this.โ
This statement comes in response to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalinโs recent announcement of an all-party meeting scheduled for March 5 to discuss the potential implications of the delimitation process. Stalin expressed concerns that Tamil Nadu could lose up to eight of its 39 Lok Sabha constituencies due to the exercise, describing it as a โsword hanging over the head of South India.โ
ALSO READ: Centre opposes lifetime ban on convicted politicians in SC affidavit
The delimitation exercise, originally slated for 2026, aims to redefine the number of representatives each state sends to the Lok Sabha based on population metrics. Southern states, having successfully implemented population control measures, fear that a population-based delimitation could diminish their representation in Parliament. Shahโs assurance seeks to alleviate these apprehensions by emphasizing that the interests of southern states will be safeguarded.
In addition to addressing delimitation concerns, Shah criticized Chief Minister Stalin, accusing him of misleading the Tamil populace with false claims about the process. He stated, โYou are lying to Tamil people and misleading them with false claims about delimitation.โ
The debate over delimitation has been a contentious issue, with southern states apprehensive about potential reductions in their parliamentary representation due to their effective population control measures. Shahโs recent statements aim to reassure these states that their interests will be protected in the forthcoming delimitation exercise.
