21 TN MPs oppose proposed delimitation at CM Vijay's meet; DMK, AIADMK stay away

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay convened a meeting on Saturday to discuss the proposed delimitation exercise by the Centre, despite the absence of the DMK and AIADMK, two major regional parties. The meeting, held at Kalaivanar Arangam, saw the participation of around 21 MPs from various parties including Congress, VCK, CPI, CPI(M), MDMK, and IUML.

They unanimously agreed that Tamil Nadu's parliamentary representation should not be reduced. Congress MP Karti Chidambaram emphasized that the issue should be viewed without party politics, stressing the need to protect Tamil Nadu's representation in Parliament. The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu reiterated that any alteration in the parliamentary seats based on population or proportionate increase would be resisted.

He proposed freezing the Parliament at 543 members, with Tamil Nadu retaining its current 39 Lok Sabha MPs. Congress MP Jyothimani called for unity among political parties, urging the DMK and AIADMK to join the campaign. Congress MP Praveen Chakraborty criticized the absence of the DMK and AIADMK, expressing disappointment that these parties that have governed Tamil Nadu for several terms did not participate in the discussion on the state's representation.

The proposed delimitation has raised concerns among southern states over potential dilution of their parliamentary influence, as they have historically had slower population growth.