Delimitation Row: Udhayanidhi Stalin Makes DMK’s Stand Clear, Says ‘Opposed It Before, Will Oppose It in Future Too’

New Delhi: The political debate over delimitation has once again intensified, with DMK leader and Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin reiterating that his party will continue to oppose any delimitation exercise that could adversely affect Tamil Nadu and other southern states.

Udhayanidhi Stalin said the DMK’s position on delimitation has remained consistent for years. “The DMK has always opposed delimitation. We will continue to oppose it,” he said, emphasizing that the party’s concerns over the issue are not new.

Why is the DMK opposing delimitation?
The issue has been a major concern for several southern states, particularly because of the possibility that parliamentary constituencies could be redistributed on the basis of population.

Tamil Nadu and other southern states have argued that states that successfully implemented population-control measures should not be penalized by losing political representation. The DMK has therefore traditionally opposed any population-based delimitation formula that it believes could reduce the political weight of southern states.

DMK had earlier indicated a cautious approach
Although the DMK has maintained its opposition to delimitation, the party had indicated in July that it would take a final position on any proposed legislation only after the government formally introduced the bill in Parliament.

Party leaders have also maintained that the DMK would oppose any proposal that harms the interests of Tamil Nadu or other southern states.

MK Stalin to lead Karunanidhi death anniversary march
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin is scheduled to lead a peace march in Chennai to mark the death anniversary of former Chief Minister and DMK patriarch M. Karunanidhi.

The march will begin from Karunanidhi’s statue and proceed towards his memorial at Marina Beach.

Mekedatu dam issue also on DMK’s agenda
The DMK is also preparing to raise the Mekedatu dam issue in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. The proposed project has remained a contentious issue between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu because of its connection with the Cauvery river water dispute.

With Udhayanidhi Stalin’s latest remarks, the delimitation debate is once again at the centre of Tamil Nadu politics. For the DMK, the issue goes beyond the redrawing of electoral constituencies and is closely linked to the political representation and interests of Tamil Nadu and other southern states.