Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin announced an all-party meeting on March 5 to address the potential loss of eight Lok Sabha seats due to population control measures, and the state’s objections to a three-language policy linked to Hindi imposition. He emphasized the need for unity among parties to protect Tamil Nadu’s representation in Parliament. Stalin accused the BJP-led central government of imposing Hindi and expressed readiness for a “language war.” In response, BJP state president K Annamalai criticized Stalin’s narrative and suggested that the fears regarding delimitation were unfounded, questioning the basis for Stalin’s claims.
Chennai:
In the midst of the ongoing Hindi imposition controversy, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin asserted on Tuesday that the state is “prepared” for “another language war” and announced plans to convene an all-party meeting on March 5 to address the Lok Sabha delimitation issue.
Stalin highlighted that Tamil Nadu is facing the “threat” of losing 8 seats, attributing this to the state’s successful implementation of the family planning program which contributed to population control. He made these remarks while speaking to reporters after chairing a Cabinet meeting at the Secretariat.
The all-party meeting will include about 40 political parties registered with the Election Commission of India, and he urged everyone to unite beyond political differences.
In response, BJP state president K Annamalai stated that Stalin was attempting to “shift the narrative” with “imaginary fear” surrounding the delimitation, as the people of Tamil Nadu had already rejected his stance on the three-language policy. He also suggested that the BJP may not participate in the all-party meeting.
When asked whether the March 5 meeting would cover the three-language policy, which remains a contentious issue between the NDA-led Centre and the Tamil Nadu government, especially in light of the National Education Policy (NEP), Stalin noted that a sufficient number of MPs are needed to voice concerns in Parliament on issues such as NEP, central funds, and NEET.
“In the name of delimitation, a sword is hanging over southern states,” he remarked.
He emphasized that Tamil Nadu is leading in various development indices but is now at risk of losing Lok Sabha seats post-delimitation due to the state’s population being considered in the process.
“Through our family planning program, Tamil Nadu achieved population control. However, the reduction in population could result in a decrease in Lok Sabha seats. We are at risk of losing 8 seats, which would reduce our representation from 39 MPs to just 31,” he explained.
“Our representation in Parliament will diminish, and Tamil Nadu’s voice will be stifled. This concerns the rights of Tamil Nadu. All leaders and political parties should come together across party lines on this issue,” the Chief Minister added.
When asked if the Centre is “sowing the seeds for another language war” amid the alleged Hindi imposition, Stalin confirmed, “Yes, certainly. We are prepared for it.” The ruling DMK opposes the three-language policy, insisting that Tamil Nadu prefers Tamil and English, and has accused the BJP-led NDA government of “imposing Hindi,” a claim the union government denies.
The “language war” alludes to the DMK’s anti-Hindi agitation in 1965, when the Dravidian party successfully campaigned against what it viewed as the imposition of Hindi on Tamil speakers.
On his ‘X’ page, he shared a copy of the invitation for the all-party meeting, emphasizing the various challenges the state faces, including the allocation of central funds.
Stalin added that the reduction of Lok Sabha seats for Tamil Nadu would further adversely affect the state, making it essential to demonstrate unity for the benefit of Tamil Nadu. Hence, the necessity for this all-party meeting.
Meanwhile, Annamalai criticized the Chief Minister.
“When TN CM Thiru MK Stalin is aware that the entire state has rejected the idea of a third language for children in TN Government schools, similar to those run by the CM’s family, he now attempts to divert the narrative to his imaginary fears regarding delimitation. What a shame and downfall for DMK!” he exclaimed. “When our Hon PM Thiru @narendramodi has clearly stated that delimitation – if and when it occurs – will be beneficial to all, including southern states, why this fear-mongering, Thiru @mkstalin? Imaginary fears and absurd arguments have become the TN CM’s frequent tactics!” he stated in a post on the micro-blogging platform ‘X.’ Later, during a press interaction in Coimbatore, Annamalai demanded clarity on the basis for Stalin’s claims, questioning if such information was disclosed in Parliament, by PM Narendra Modi, or through a “secret document.” He indicated that the BJP’s participation in the March 5 meeting depends on such revelations and criticized the CM for “inciting panic, which is unbecoming of his position.” “When delimitation occurs, it is our responsibility to ensure it doesn’t negatively affect the state. We need to increase Lok Sabha seats as it is essential,” he added.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)