Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Convenes MPs Over Delimitation Bill

Chief Minister S. Joseph Vijay has convened a consultative meeting with all Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members from Tamil Nadu for August 8 at Kalaivanar Arangam in Chennai. The gathering aims to establish a unified approach to the central government's proposed delimitation exercise, which would redraw parliamentary and Assembly constituencies based on population.

Vijay argues that the proposed Delimitation Bill would adversely affect the state's interests. There are specific concerns that states that successfully implemented population control may see a reduction in their share of parliamentary seats. The consultation comes as the Union government may revive legislative moves on the matter during the current Monsoon Session.

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) expressed willingness to attend but conditioned its participation on the state government first convening an all-party meeting to discuss the Mekedatu dam project and Cauvery river sharing. While the DMK previously sought a freeze on Lok Sabha seats, reports indicate the party may support the bill if the Union government guarantees that Tamil Nadu's current 7.28% share of parliamentary representation remains unchanged.

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has intervened in the dispute, cautioning the DMK that supporting the legislation would be "betraying the future of Tamil Nadu."