Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Thursday escalated his opposition to the Centre’s proposed delimitation exercise by symbolically burning a copy of the delimitation bill and hoisting a black flag at his residence and in Namakkal.
Stalin led a public demonstration in Namakkal where he set fire to a copy of the proposed delimitation bill and raised a black flag as part of a statewide protest he had called. Earlier, he had urged residents across Tamil Nadu to display black flags on their homes, terming the draft legislation a “black law” that undermines the state’s political representation. A black flag was also unfurled outside his residence in Chennai, amplifying the DMK’s message of resistance.
The protests coincide with a special session of Parliament running from April 16 to 18, during which the Union government is expected to introduce the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, the Delimitation Bill, and related Union Territory amendments. The plan envisages a fresh delimitation based on updated population figures, with the Lok Sabha strength potentially rising to about 850, including roughly 35 seats for Union Territories. The exercise is also tied to implementing 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha before the 2029 general elections, which could see around 280 reserved seats.
Currently, Lok Sabha composition is still rooted in the 1971 Census, with 543 elected members out of a maximum of 550. The DMK and other southern parties argue that a population linked reallocation would disproportionately favour northern states and erode the representation of states like Tamil Nadu that have curbed population growth. Stalin has repeatedly warned that such a move would upset federal balance and vowed that Tamil Nadu would resist any attempt to dilute its voice in the House.
Even as he led the black flag agitation, Stalin continued his poll campaign in Namakkal district ahead of the April 23 Assembly elections. He held a roadshow near the Namakkal Uzhavar Sandhai area, campaigning with DMK candidate Rani and meeting farmers, traders, and local residents while seeking votes for the party’s Rising Sun symbol. Across Tamil Nadu, the widespread black flag displays are being viewed as a coordinated signal of dissent as Parliament prepares to debate the contentious bills.
(Inputs from IANS)