CM Stalin Cites Delimitation Concerns, Skips PM Modi's Tamil Nadu Visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the inauguration of a vertical railway bridge constructed at Pamban near Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu. However, the absence of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin from the event has become a topic of discussion in political circles.
According to protocol, the Chief Minister was expected to be present at the event. His absence is being viewed by some as indicative of recent political developments between the central and state governments.
M.K. Stalin has been consistently expressing concern that Tamil Nadu could suffer a disadvantage if parliamentary constituencies are redrawn based on the latest population data. He has been demanding that the delimitation exercise be carried out based on the 1971 census figures instead.
Adding to the tensions, a longstanding dispute over the imposition of Hindi between the central government and the Tamil Nadu state government remains unresolved. Against this backdrop, M.K. Stalin’s decision to remain absent from the Prime Minister’s visit has drawn attention.
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Pamban, M.K. Stalin attended a public meeting in Ooty. In his speech at the event, he raised the issue of constituency delimitation.
“The Prime Minister must stand on Tamil soil and give a clear assurance. Tamil Nadu and other states that have successfully controlled population growth must not be penalized in the upcoming delimitation exercise. There should be no reduction in the number of parliamentary seats for such states. The Prime Minister must give a clear assurance in this regard,” said M.K. Stalin.