Union Minister Amit Shah addressed concerns about delimitation in southern states, reassuring that no parliamentary seats will be reduced. He emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to protecting the interests of South India, ensuring fair representation in any potential seat increases. Shah’s comments came amidst a meeting led by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, who expressed worries that the delimitation could negatively impact southern states due to their successful population control measures. Tamil Nadu fears losing 8 of its 39 Lok Sabha seats, intensifying tensions over issues like “Hindi imposition” and representation disparities.
Chennai:
Union Minister Amit Shah addressed the contentious issue of delimitation in southern states today, assuring that there will be no reduction in the number of seats there. “I want to reassure the people of South India that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has your interests in mind and will ensure that not a single seat is lost. Additionally, any increase will see southern states receiving their fair share; there’s no reason to doubt this,” he stated during the inauguration of party offices in Coimbatore and Tiruvannamalai.
This assurance came amidst a large meeting convened by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin regarding delimitation and its potential effects.
“Today there will be a meeting to ensure that the South does not suffer due to delimitation. The people in Tamil Nadu are disturbed. Chief Minister Stalin and his son (Udhayanidhi Stalin) are attempting to mislead the public. Mr. Stalin, the Modi government has made it clear in Lok Sabha that after delimitation, following a pro rata basis, not a single seat will be reduced in any southern state,” Mr. Shah added.
A reduction in parliamentary seats following population-based delimitation is a common concern among southern states, where population control measures have been more effective compared to those in northern Hindi-speaking regions.
The South is worried that a decrease in seats will diminish their representation in parliament, giving North India disproportionate influence.
Recently, Tamil Nadu has been agitated over allegations of “Hindi imposition” and delimitation. Mr. Stalin claimed that the delimitation process will adversely affect southern states, particularly Tamil Nadu, due to their successful family planning initiatives. He asserted that Tamil Nadu risks losing 8 out of its 39 Lok Sabha seats.