Invites Chief Ministers and Party Leaders to Form Joint Action Committee
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Friday reached out to chief ministers and political party leaders from multiple states, urging them to unite against the proposed delimitation of Lok Sabha seats, calling it an unfair exercise that threatens federal principles and democratic representation.
In a strong appeal, Stalin invited his counterparts from Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, West Bengal, Punjab, and Odisha, as well as prominent party heads from these states and Andhra Pradesh, to form a Joint Action Committee (JAC). He emphasized that a collective effort was essential to resist a potentially damaging delimitation process based purely on population.
First Joint Action Committee Meeting Scheduled for March 22, 2025
The Chief Minister proposed convening the first JAC meeting in Chennai on March 22, 2025, with an aim to discuss and strategize a unified response. He stressed the necessity of charting a collective course forward, given the lack of transparency and clarity from the Union Government on this crucial matter.
Stalin highlighted two scenarios reportedly under consideration by the Centre: redistribution of the existing 543 Lok Sabha seats among states, or increasing the total number of seats beyond 800. He expressed grave concerns that states successfully implementing population control measures would suffer disproportionately if the delimitation is based on post-2026 population data.
“We should not be penalized for effectively controlling population growth and upholding national development goals,” Stalin asserted, criticizing the Centre's ambiguous assurances that no state would face seat reductions.
Accuses Union Government of Ignoring Federal Principles
In his communication, Stalin expressed dissatisfaction with the Union Government’s vague commitment, labeling their responses as mere "empty rhetoric." He questioned the government's reluctance to engage in transparent dialogue, asking, “When the very foundation of our democracy is at stake, can we accept such vague assurances?”
Referring to the recent all-party meeting held in Chennai on March 5, Stalin underlined the unanimous decision to form the JAC. “This issue transcends individual state concerns—it strikes at the heart of our federal principles. Together, we must examine the constitutional, legal, and political dimensions of this challenge," he said.
Seeking Collaborative Analysis and Unified Advocacy
Stalin urged the states to collaborate on developing alternatives that ensure the preservation of their current representation percentages. He argued that only collective action and unified advocacy could secure a fair delimitation process that acknowledges the contribution of progressive states towards national development.
He formally requested chief ministers and party heads to nominate senior representatives who could participate in the Joint Action Committee, emphasizing the need for coordinated strategic responses.
"A Blatant Assault on Federalism": Stalin
Stalin described the proposed delimitation exercise as a blatant attack on India's federal structure, warning that it would unfairly penalize states that effectively managed population growth and promoted good governance.
“We will not allow this democratic injustice!” Stalin declared emphatically, calling for solidarity beyond political affiliations. “Let us stand together not as separate political entities, but as protectors of our people’s future.”