DMK hosts opposition meet; TMC skips event.
The opposition meeting hosted by the DMK is expected to focus on developing a coordinated legal and political strategy to counter the potential impact of delimitation. With representatives from key parties, including four chief ministers, BJD, and BRS, leaders are set to discuss the ramifications of the upcoming parliamentary and assembly seat reallocation. The discussions may include legal challenges, electoral strategy, and policy responses to ensure fair representation. The TMC’s decision to opt out of the meeting has also raised political speculation ahead of the crucial deliberations.
DMK Hosts Opposition Meet on Delimitation; TMC Skips Event
Chennai: In a significant display of Opposition unity, key leaders from southern and eastern states gathered in Chennai on Saturday, March 23, 2025, for the first Joint Action Committee (JAC) meeting on Fair Delimitation, convened by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). The meeting, aimed at formulating a legal and political strategy against the proposed parliamentary delimitation exercise, saw participation from three Chief Ministers—Pinarayi Vijayan (Kerala), A Revanth Reddy (Telangana), and Bhagwant Mann (Punjab), along with Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and senior representatives from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS).
However, notably absent from the meeting was the Trinamool Congress (TMC), which had been invited but decided not to send a representative. While the party has not provided an official explanation, political analysts suggest that the TMC’s decision signals its attempt to maintain a neutral stance on delimitation or focus on its own regional political strategy.
Growing Regional Pushback Against Delimitation
The Chennai meeting comes amid growing concerns among southern and eastern states that the upcoming delimitation exercise—which will redefine the number of parliamentary and assembly seats based on population changes—could reduce their political representation. Many leaders argue that the proposed reallocation of seats unfairly favors the northern states, where population growth has been higher, at the cost of states that have successfully implemented family planning policies.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M K Stalin, the key force behind the initiative, emphasized the gravity of the issue. Calling the meeting a “historic day for Indian federalism”, Stalin released a video message on Friday, warning that delimitation based solely on population numbers would be a blow to democracy and federal principles.
His remarks underscore a key argument made by the southern and eastern states—that delimitation, if not approached carefully, could lead to a drastic shift in political power toward the north, altering the balance in parliamentary representation.
What’s at Stake?
The delimitation process—a constitutionally mandated exercise—was put on hold in 2001 and is expected to be implemented after 2026. Under the current system, parliamentary seats remain based on the 1971 Census, despite India’s population growing significantly since then. Northern states, particularly Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, have witnessed rapid population growth, whereas southern and eastern states have successfully implemented population control policies.
This disparity has led to fears that states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, and West Bengal may lose parliamentary seats, while northern states gain more representation. Critics argue that this would punish states that have invested in education, health, and family planning while rewarding those with higher population growth.
Legal and Political Challenges Ahead
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) on Fair Delimitation, formed during the meeting, is expected to take a two-pronged approach—one focusing on legal challenges and the other on political mobilization.
- Legal Challenges: Opposition leaders are considering approaching the Supreme Court if the final delimitation framework disproportionately reduces representation from certain states. Some legal experts have suggested that constitutional provisions on federalism and representation can be used to argue against an unfair seat allocation system.
- Political Strategy: Opposition parties plan to mobilize public opinion and highlight the issue during upcoming elections. By framing it as a battle for federalism and fairness, they hope to pressure the central government into reconsidering any one-sided delimitation formula.
Sources indicate that the DMK, CPI(M), AAP, and Congress units in the south are in talks to create a joint campaign, potentially organizing protests and awareness drives.
TMC’s Absence Raises Questions
The decision by West Bengal’s Trinamool Congress (TMC) to skip the meeting has raised eyebrows. While the TMC has opposed previous central policies that weaken regional autonomy, its absence suggests a tactical political move. Some analysts believe the party is avoiding aligning too closely with southern parties ahead of the 2026 delimitation implementation. Others speculate that West Bengal’s unique political landscape, where the TMC and BJP remain in a direct contest, might have influenced the decision.
A senior opposition leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, said:
“The TMC’s absence is unfortunate, but we will continue discussions with them. This is an issue that affects all non-Hindi-speaking states, and we hope to bring everyone on board.”
What’s Next?
Following the meeting, the JAC will prepare a detailed report outlining legal, constitutional, and political objections to any unfair delimitation process. This report will be submitted to the central government and the Election Commission in the coming months.
Meanwhile, the DMK and its allies have called for wider public engagement, urging people to understand the long-term consequences of delimitation and support efforts to ensure fair representation.
Conclusion: A Crucial Political Battle
The DMK-led Opposition meeting marks the beginning of a significant political battle over parliamentary seat reallocation. As the 2026 deadline for delimitation approaches, tensions between northern and southern states over representation are likely to intensify.
With major regional players now taking a united stand, the issue could become a major flashpoint in national politics, shaping debates around federalism, governance, and electoral fairness in the years to come.