Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin warned people that the state’s parliamentary representation may be reduced because of population-based delimitation
In the wake of the Union government’s delimitation plans, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Monday appealed the people of his state to immediately produce children while emphasising that the successful family planning measures of the citizens can now prove to be a disadvantage for the state.
Stalin warned people that Tamil Nadu’s political representation could be impacted by population-based delimitation and appealed them to keep their egos aside and listen to his call.
“I urge them to attend as well. Please set aside ego. Don’t think why should you listen to my call,” said Stalin, adding that this is a pressing issue for the state.
Speaking about the changing demographic scenario, Stalin said, “Earlier we used to say, take your time and have a baby. But now the situation has changed, and we should say it now.”
He said that the issue is concerning because delimitation is likely to be implemented on the basis of population census figures. “We implemented family planning successfully, and now we are facing such a situation,” Stalin said.
Re-emphasising his stance, the chief minister urged the newlyweds to have babies soon after their marriage so that the state could have a good political representation after the delimitation.
“But now with schemes such as delimitation that the Union Government is planning to implement, we cannot say that. We focused on family planning, but we were pushed into a situation such as this. So I would now urge newlyweds to immediately have babies and give them good Tamil names.
Stalin has called for an all-party meeting on March 5 where the issue of delimitation would be discussed.
He has said that 40 political parties registered with the Election Commission will take part in the meeting to discuss the implications of constituency delimitation, which he has called a “sword dangling over Tamil Nadu”.
“They are trying to implement delimitation which will reduce the number of Lok Sabha seats to Tamil Nadu. I have convened an all-party meeting on March 5 to discuss our stand on delimitation. Forty registered with the Election Commission have been invited. A majority of them have said yes, a few are skipping it. But they should understand that this is not a problem of DMK, it is a problem for the entire state. So I urge everyone again to stand together for the welfare of this state and its rights,” Stalin said.