Delimitation will supress the vouce of southern States: CM
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has voiced strong concerns about the proposed delimitation of constituencies, stating that it threatens to suppress the voice of southern states.
In a statement marking the Ugadi festival, he highlighted the importance of linguistic and regional unity in the face of political and cultural challenges.
Ugadi, celebrated as the New Year by Telugu and Kannada-speaking communities, holds special significance in the Dravidian linguistic family. Acknowledging the festival, Stalin extended his warm wishes to the Telugu and Kannada people in Tamil Nadu, reaffirming the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government’s commitment to safeguarding linguistic minorities and their cultural traditions.
Recalling past political decisions, Stalin pointed out that the public holiday for Ugadi was revoked during the AIADMK government’s tenure but was reinstated in 2006 by then-Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. He emphasized that the DMK has always stood for inclusivity and respect for all languages and cultures in Tamil Nadu.
Chief Minister Stalin expressed deep concerns over the proposed delimitation exercise, warning that it could drastically reduce the political representation and influence of southern states, including Tamil Nadu. He argued that while southern states have made remarkable economic progress, their parliamentary strength is at risk of being curtailed due to demographic shifts.
“All southern states that speak Tamil and other Dravidian languages are facing the danger of their voices being suppressed and their parliamentary strength being reduced through the upcoming delimitation process,” he stated. Stalin noted that a strong display of unity was made during the rally in Chennai on March 22, and further meetings would be held to continue this movement. He also highlighted the growing national support for this cause, as more people recognize the threat posed by the proposed changes.
Stalin drew historical parallels, stating that the economic progress achieved by southern states was largely due to their resistance against Hindi imposition over half a century ago. He warned that similar attempts are now being made again, not just to enforce a linguistic hierarchy but also to weaken the economic and cultural identity of the southern states.