The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has reiterated its opposition to the proposed delimitation exercise, asserting that it will resist any legislation that undermines the interests of Tamil Nadu or infringes upon the rights of states. The issue was a key point of discussion during the party’s meeting of Members of Parliament on July 16, chaired by party president and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin.
According to DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai, Stalin directed party MPs to function as a “constructive opposition” in Parliament while firmly opposing any delimitation proposal that could reduce Tamil Nadu’s political representation. He argued that the state stood to lose if a new delimitation exercise was carried out on the basis currently being discussed.
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Annadurai said the party would oppose any legislation introduced by the BJP-led Central government if it was found to be against the Constitution or detrimental to state interests. He maintained that the DMK’s stand was rooted in protecting federal principles and ensuring that states such as Tamil Nadu were not disadvantaged.
The spokesperson also said the BJP had indicated that it might convene an all-party meeting on the issue. However, he added that the DMK would wait for the Centre’s detailed proposal before taking any further steps.
He noted that the proposed delimitation bill has not been included in the list of legislations scheduled for the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament. As a result, the party is closely monitoring developments before deciding its future course of action.
The DMK has consistently opposed the delimitation proposal. Earlier this year, Stalin publicly burned a symbolic copy of the proposed legislation, calling it a “black law” and alleging that it would harm the interests of Tamil Nadu. The proposed constitutional amendments and related legislation were later defeated in Parliament after failing to secure the required two-thirds majority, but the issue continues to remain politically significant.
