Udhayanidhi Stalin backs TVK resolution against delimitation, says MPs should not be reduced

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Friday extended his support to the resolution passed by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) against the proposed delimitation exercise, asserting that the number of Members of Parliament from the southern states should not be reduced.

“MPs should not be reduced. The delimitation process, if carried out solely on the basis of population, would unfairly impact states that have successfully implemented family planning measures,” Stalin said while speaking to reporters here.

The TVK, led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, had earlier passed a resolution opposing the delimitation exercise, calling it a threat to the federal structure. The party urged the central government to ensure that southern states do not lose their representation in Parliament.

Delimitation is the process of redrawing the boundaries of parliamentary and assembly constituencies to reflect changes in population. The next delimitation is due after the first census conducted post-2026. Experts have cautioned that states with better population control, particularly in the south, could see a reduction in their number of seats.

Stalin’s endorsement of the TVK resolution comes amid growing political unity among southern parties on this issue. Several leaders, including from the DMK, have voiced concern that the delimitation would undermine the electoral strength of southern states.

“The southern states have always cooperated with national policies, including family planning. It would be unjust if they are penalised for their success. We stand with the TVK’s demand,” Stalin added.

The Tamil Nadu government has also constituted an all-party committee to discuss the implications of delimitation and to formulate a consensus strategy. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has already written to the Prime Minister urging him to adopt a fair formula that does not reduce the representation of any state.

The TVK, which was founded in 2024, has been actively positioning itself as a champion of Tamil interests. Its resolution on delimitation is seen as an attempt to build broader alliances ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.

Political analysts note that the issue has the potential to bring together disparate parties from the south, transcending traditional rivalries. The DMK and the TVK have often been at loggerheads, but the delimitation issue appears to have created common ground.

The central government has not yet responded to the concerns raised by the southern states. Union Minister for Law and Justice has previously stated that the delimitation will be carried out after the census as per constitutional provisions.

Meanwhile, leaders from other southern states, including Karnataka and Kerala, have also expressed similar apprehensions. The chief ministers of these states have held informal discussions to present a united front.

Stalin’s remarks are significant as they signal a potential alignment between the ruling DMK and the TVK on a critical national issue. Observers will be keen to see whether this cooperation extends to other matters in the future.

The delimitation exercise is also expected to impact the number of seats reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The government has assured that the interests of these communities will be protected, but details are yet to be announced.

As the debate intensifies, political parties in the south are gearing up for a sustained campaign to ensure that their representation in Parliament is not diluted. The coming months are likely to witness increased coordination among these parties.