NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin on Sunday called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address concerns regarding the proposed delimitation exercise. During an official event in Udhagamandalam (Ooty), Stalin emphasised that PM Modi must ensure Parliament passes a resolution safeguarding Tamil Nadu’s rights.
Skipping PM Modi’s big ticket event in Rameswaram, Stalin said at a public rally: “Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi should make this promise publicly, allay the fears in the minds of the people of Tamil Nadu, and follow it up with a constitutional amendment in Parliament. This is the only way to ensure a fair delimitation. I sincerely hope he will act.”
Further asserting his claim during the inauguration of various projects and announcement of new schemes, he also said, “Tamil Nadu and other states that have successfully controlled population growth will not be penalised in the impending delimitation exercise. Their share of parliamentary seats in percentage terms will remain untouched.”
Stalin also mentioned that he had requested a meeting with the Prime Minister to submit a memorandum about the delimitation concerns. “We have sought an appointment to present the memorandum on the delimitation. Over the next few minutes, our Prime Minister is expected to come to Rameswaram (for various events). Since I am taking part in this government function I have conveyed to him about my inability to take part in his meeting and deputed our Ministers Thangam Thennarasu and Raja Kannappan. Through this meeting and through you, I hereby seek the Prime Minister to allay the fears of delimitation” he added to his speech.
The Tamil Nadu CM further noted that “Including Puducherry there would be 40 Parliamentary seats,” accusing the ruling BJP government of attempting to diminish their representation.
