Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Thursday called on the Centre to give a “clear legislative assurance” that southern states would not see their share of representation in Parliament reduced
because of their success in controlling population growth.
His remarks, made at the 31st meeting of the Southern Zonal Council in Mahabalipuram, sparked a political controversy in Tamil Nadu, with the DMK and AIADMK accusing him of reversing his position on delimitation.
“I urge the Union government to provide a clear legislative assurance that no state will suffer a reduction in its percentage of representation in Parliament on account of its success in population stabilisation,” Vijay said.
According to the chief minister, such an assurance would help ensure fairness, safeguard the federal balance and boost the confidence of states in democratic institutions.
Vijay, however, did not reiterate the resolution adopted by the Tamil Nadu Assembly on August 12. The resolution had sought to permanently retain the 543 Lok Sabha seats and maintain the existing distribution of seats among the states.
Opposition Accuses Vijay Of Changing Stand
The DMK and AIADMK both criticised Vijay over his comments on delimitation.
DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai accused the chief minister of “flip-flopping” on the issue.
The AIADMK’s IT Wing also described the TVK government’s position as a complete “U-turn” on delimitation.
“What you are saying now is exactly the same thing the Union government said. And that is why the AIADMK supported the delimitation bill when it was introduced,” the party’s IT Wing said in a social media post.
“Why conduct such a resolution drama just to flip-flop like this?” it asked.
TVK Says No Change In Position
The TVK rejected the allegations and maintained that Vijay’s position on delimitation remained unchanged.
“In the speech delivered by the Chief Minister… a broad visionary perspective was presented to protect the current representation of Southern states that have successfully implemented population control. The resolution passed in Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on August 12 articulates this in actionable terms,” the party’s IT Wing said.
The party also accused critics of circulating “misleading opinions” on delimitation without properly understanding the issue.
Speaking to reporters outside the meeting, Minister for Energy Resources and Law CTR Nirmalkumar said the government continued to stand by its existing position.
“There is no change in TVK’s stance on the delimitation issue. There is no change in our position that the number of Lok Sabha seats should remain at 543,” he said.
