Delimitation row: 'Don't penalise south, population can’t be only basis of deciding parliamentary states,’ says Stalin

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin urged the Centre not to penalise southern states for handling population growth responsibly. In a video message to party workers, Stalin urged the Union government not to decide parliamentary solely on the basis of population.

In a video posted on his social media platforms, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader urged party cadres to create awareness among the public regarding its protest against the National Education Policy and delimitation exercise. Stalin said the fight against delimitation is to safeguard “Tamil Nadu’s rights” and the battle for language is “Tamil Nadu’s lifeline”.

The DMK-led state government fears the Centre is trying to impose Tamil over Hindi in the state and Hinde has swallowed several regional languages. The state government has been protesting against the three-language policy. Stalin charged the Centre has already withheld funds for the state due to the non-implementation of NEP in its entirety in the state.

“Tamil Nadu and DMK would never accept if such an injustice was meted out to the state through the parliamentary constituency delimitation exercise,” the chief minister said. “Our demand is clear – don't determine parliamentary constituencies based on population alone. Do not penalise the southern states that took responsible measures to control population growth," Stalin said in a video message for party cadres.

Stalin said while the Centre says Tamil Nadu’s parliamentary seats will not be reduced, “they are unwilling to assure the representation of other states will not be disproportionately increased”.

“We must take a pledge that we will never compromise on Tamil Nadu's welfare and future for anyone or anything. We must stand together and fight for our state's rights. Tamil Nadu will resist, and win,” the DMK leader added.

Saying Tamil Nadu is a pioneer in this ideological battle, Stalin said several states including  Karnataka, Punjab, Telangana and others have expressed solidarity for Tamil Nadu’s protest against the delimitation exercise.