As the central government prepares to reintroduce the delimitation bill tied to women’s reservation, the topic has emerged as a major point of contention in Tamil Nadu. Following reports suggesting the DMK might ease its position, Udhayanidhi Stalin stated that the party has consistently opposed the measure and will maintain that stance. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has convened a meeting with state MPs to address the proposed exercise. The DMK had previously avoided a firm public position, causing concern among opposition partners including the Congress. A united opposition had blocked the Constitution Amendment Bill in April that aimed to end the freeze on Lok Sabha seat expansion. The delimitation proposal would redraw constituencies using the 2011 Census and increase total seats from 543 to 850. Udhayanidhi clarified the party’s longstanding opposition and noted the issue is not new. Reports indicated the DMK might back the bill if it retained the 1971 Census as the basis for 25 years, guaranteed a 50 percent seat increase for all states, and included a state-wise seat allocation list. Southern states argue that population-based delimitation would favor northern regions with higher growth rates, reducing their parliamentary influence and share of tax revenue. The six southern states represent about 24 percent of the population. Chief Minister Vijay’s meeting with MPs from all parties drew praise from Congress MP Manickam Tagore for promoting unified state representation in Delhi.
