Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president M K Stalin on Wednesday intensified his campaign against the Centre’s proposed delimitation exercise, urging people in his state to raise black flags at their homes and public places to register their opposition.
Stalin described the move as a “huge danger” to Tamil Nadu, and accused the BJP of “betraying” the southern states in the name of border demarcation.
“The BJP is trying to give more political power to the northern states and make the southern states lose their political power. If that happens, Tamil Nadu will not watch and remain quiet. I have said that every family will take to the streets and protest,” Stalin said in a video message shared on his official social media account.
Earlier in the day, Stalin led a virtual meeting with party MPs from Dharmapuri and added that his party would reach out to MPs from other states to formulate a strategy on the issue.
Through the proposed constitutional amendments, the Center was trying to stifle Tamil Nadu’s voice in Parliament, he alleged.
According to him, the changes will change the balance of representation between the northern and southern states. He said: “Due to the proposed constitutional amendment, the number of members of the northern states will differ from the southern states in Parliament.”
Stalin also claimed that guarantees of increased electoral districts in the southern states were merely symbolic. “The BJP is just saying that constituencies in southern states, including Tamil Nadu, will increase, but they will create a situation where there will be no need for representatives of southern states. This is what we call massive injustice. Is this a punishment for southern states?” he asked.
Calling for widespread popular participation, Stalin said it was time for every family in Tamil Nadu to express its opposition.
“As a way to show our opposition to the constitutional amendment, let us all raise black flags at our homes in Tamil Nadu and in public places,” he said.
Stalin added: “The sword that was hanging over our heads has now come down on us.”
Recalling his earlier remark that the April 23 elections in the state were a contest between Tamil Nadu and Delhi, Stalin said the recent developments validated his stance.
“The real meaning of what I said has been proven to be true. Their idea is that Tamil Nadu should not come forward and even those who belong to Tamil Nadu should not raise their voices in Parliament,” he said.
Stalin described the proposed legislation as a “black law” and said: “The black law should not be passed.”
During the meeting with DMK MPs, Stalin said: “Border demarcation. The sword that was hanging over our heads has now come down on us. In consultation with DMK MPs, we are reaching out to MPs across states and chalking out a coordinated strategy to counter this grave menace.”
He added: “It is not about parties or individuals. It is about protecting the rights of our people. I appeal to all parties and members of Parliament across India to unite to protect our democracy.”
Meanwhile, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami struck a contradictory note, as he asserted during an election rally in Theni district that Tamil Nadu would not be adversely affected by the delimitation process.
He cited assurances from Union Home Minister Amit Shah that the state would not lose any seats in the Lok Sabha.
Palaniswami also criticized Stalin for repeatedly raising the issue and questioning the silence of the AIADMK, despite the Centre’s assurances.
