Stalin's big delimitation move: Writes to seven states, proposes meet on 22 Mar

In a bold move to defend ‘federalism’, Tamil Nadu chief minister M.K. Stalin has written to the chief ministers of seven states, urging them to join forces against the impending delimitation exercise.

Stalin has proposed the formation of a joint action committee (JAC) to strategise against what he calls a "democratic injustice", and has invited political leaders across party lines to participate in an inaugural meeting on 22 March in Chennai.

Highlights of new step

• Stalin wrote to the CMs of Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, West Bengal, Odisha, and Punjab

• Proposed the formation of a JAC to coordinate opposition to delimitation

• Called upon political leaders from all affected states and parties to join the JAC

• Scheduled a meeting in Chennai on 22 March to chart a collective strategy

Stalin's letter underscores the urgency of the matter, stating that delimitation would disproportionately harm states that have successfully controlled their populations and ensured good governance.

He warns that the exercise is not merely a redistribution of parliamentary seats but a direct attack on states' rights, economic priorities, and their ability to influence crucial national policies on education, healthcare, and resource allocation.

“This issue transcends individual state concerns and strikes at the heart of the federal principle. It is about securing rightful resources, influencing key policies, and ensuring our economic priorities receive due attention,” Stalin wrote.

Stalin has also urged states to formally consent to joining the JAC and to nominate senior representatives who can coordinate a unified response.

Political leaders from major parties — including the CPI(M), BJP, Congress, AAP, TDP, YSRCP, BJD, and Akali Dal — have been invited to deliberate on a joint strategy. “This moment demands leadership and collaboration, rising above political differences and standing up for our collective good,” Stalin emphasised.

He also rebuffed the claim made by Union home minister Amit Shah that Tamil Nadu would not lose eight seats under delimitation, dismissing the 'pro-rata' formula as “empty rhetoric”.

Political watchers say Stalin has framed the fight against the proposed delimitation as not just a Tamil Nadu issue but a larger battle to safeguard India's federal structure. By reaching out to a diverse range of leaders and parties, he is positioning the JAC as a powerful coalition against a move that many southern and eastern states perceive as a political and economic threat.

With the 22 March meeting set to be a crucial moment in this fight, all eyes will be on Chennai as regional leaders decide their course of action against what they see as an existential crisis of their representation and governance.