Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has strongly opposed the proposed delimitation of parliamentary constituencies, calling it a direct threat to the state’s political representation and India’s federal structure. At an all-party meeting in Chennai, leaders from various political groups, including the DMK, AIADMK, Congress, and Communist parties, unanimously rejected the delimitation process expected in 2026. The resolution passed at the meeting argued that basing seat allocation solely on population figures would unfairly penalize states like Tamil Nadu, which have successfully implemented population control measures. Stalin emphasized that the current freeze on delimitation, set to expire in 2026, should be extended for at least 30 more years to ensure fair representation for southern states.

The meeting also resolved to form a Joint Action Committee (JAC) comprising various political parties from Tamil Nadu, which would reach out to leaders in other southern states to build a united front against the delimitation exercise. Stalin warned that if the Centre moves ahead with redistribution based on population, Tamil Nadu’s representation in Parliament could drop from 39 to 31 seats, severely impacting its political influence. He criticized the central government for ignoring the concerns of southern states, arguing that the delimitation process disproportionately benefits states with higher population growth, while punishing those that have controlled their birth rates responsibly. His remarks reflect growing apprehensions among southern leaders about a potential shift in political power towards the northern states.

While several opposition parties backed Stalin’s stance, the Tamil Nadu BJP dismissed the meeting as “fear-mongering.” State BJP president K Annamalai claimed that concerns over delimitation were exaggerated and politically motivated. However, Stalin remained firm in his resolve, stating that his government would take all necessary steps to prevent any changes to the state’s parliamentary representation. The issue has sparked a larger debate on the balance of power between different regions in India, with southern states increasingly vocal about their rights and representation in national policymaking.