Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has urged citizens to have children immediately. He stated that successful family planning has turned into a disadvantage for Tamil Nadu. Stalin warned that population-based delimitation could affect the state's political representation.
He called on the state's residents to heed his appeal. Notably, the central government might carry out Lok Sabha seat delimitation in 2026.
Discussing the changing population statistics, he remarked, "Previously, we advised taking time and considering having children according to one's circumstances; now the situation has shifted, and the conversation has to be about immediate childbearing."
MK Stalin linked his concern to the potential implementation of delimitation based on census data, noting, "We successfully implemented family planning, and now we face this situation."
Highlighting its potential impact on Tamil Nadu, Stalin said, "Therefore, I urge you not to take your time but to have children immediately.”
All-Party Meeting on March 5
Stalin has called an all-party meeting on March 5 to discuss delimitation. He wants everybody to unite and consider Tamil Nadu's future, which he described as being at a pivotal moment where it must defend its rights.
Stalin noted that if delimitation occurs based on population, the state's seats could decrease from 39 to 31.
Requesting opposition parties to attend the meeting, he said, "I urge them to join. Please set aside your ego. Don't think about why you should listen to me," emphasizing that this is a grave issue for Tamil Nadu.
Stalin declared that 40 political parties registered with the Election Commission have been invited to discuss the impact of constituency delimitation.
He described it as a "Sword over Tamil Nadu." Speaking after a Cabinet meeting on February 25, Stalin emphasized how Tamil Nadu's successful family planning policies have now put the state at a disadvantage. He noted, "If delimitation is implemented based on the population census, eight fewer MPs from Tamil Nadu will result. The state will lose its representation in Parliament."
MK Stalin stated that our presence in Parliament will be reduced. Tamil Nadu's voice is being suppressed; this is about the state's rights. All parties and leaders should rise above politics and raise their voices on this issue.
Centre Rejects Stalin's Claim
However, CM Stalin's claim has been dismissed by both the central government and the BJP. Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused Stalin of spreading misinformation, stating that not a single seat in any southern Indian state's Lok Sabha will be reduced in the proposed delimitation.
