Madurai, Aug 9 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Minister Nirmal Kumar has strongly opposed the Centre’s proposed delimitation exercise, warning that any reduction in the state’s representation in Parliament would undermine its political rights, while accusing the DMK of preparing to indirectly support the BJP on the contentious issue.
Speaking to reporters after participating in a marathon organised as part of an initiative to make Madurai a garbage-free city, Nirmal Kumar said all political parties in Tamil Nadu should unite against any delimitation formula that could reduce the state’s representation on the basis of population.
He alleged that the Union government was pushing ahead with delimitation for political reasons at a time when there was no need for such an exercise.
Tamil Nadu, which has performed relatively well in population control, could lose parliamentary representation if seats were redistributed purely on the basis of population, he said.
Nirmal Kumar argued that the proposed exercise could weaken the political voice of Tamil Nadu and marginalise sections of the population.
Protecting the state’s rights should therefore take precedence over political differences, and parties should present a united front against any proposal detrimental to Tamil Nadu’s interests, he said.
Turning his criticism towards the DMK, the minister alleged that information had emerged suggesting that the party had already reached an understanding with the BJP over the issue.
He claimed there were reports that DMK members could stage a walkout when the delimitation issue comes before Parliament instead of voting against it.
The TVK minister said such a move would effectively amount to supporting the proposal by avoiding a direct vote against it.
Referring to the DMK’s earlier position on delimitation, he said the party had initially projected itself as a strong opponent of any move that could affect Tamil Nadu’s parliamentary representation. If the DMK genuinely opposed delimitation, it should remain in Parliament and vote against the proposal rather than walk out, he maintained.
Kumar described any possible walkout as a serious betrayal not only of Tamil Nadu but also of states concerned about losing representation under a population-based redistribution of seats.
He further accused the DMK leadership of compromising Tamil Nadu’s wider interests to protect the political interests of former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s family. He alleged that the party’s decisions, both in and outside power, demonstrated a willingness to accommodate the BJP at the expense of the state’s interests.
–IANS
aal/dpb
