A big political controversy has arisen in the country regarding the proposed delimitation. Protests against this move of the central government are intensifying in the southern states, while the government and the opposition are face to face before the special session of the Parliament. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. From Stalin to Congress and other opposition parties, sharp reactions are continuously coming out on this issue.
Stalin called emergency meeting of DMK MPs
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has called an emergency meeting of DMK MPs on Wednesday, in which the possible effects of delimitation will be discussed. This meeting will be organized from Dharmapuri through video conferencing. DMK MP Kanimozhi met AIADMK chief Edappadi K. Taking aim at Palaniswami, he said that he is not worried about the possible reduction in Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu. He alleged that AIADMK is supporting the Centre’s stand, which may harm the rights of the state. Kanimozhi also said that DMK has always supported women’s reservation and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is making continuous efforts in this direction.
‘Degressive Proportionality’ Model
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has suggested ‘degressive proportionality’ model for balancing Lok Sabha seats. He said that the Prime Minister should have a detailed discussion with all parties and states on a sensitive issue like delimitation, otherwise it can become a threat to the federal structure.
Initiative of Telangana CM Revanth Reddy
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has appealed to all the southern states to unite. He has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding an all-party meeting on this issue. He has suggested a ‘hybrid model’, in which 50% seats should be decided on the basis of population and 50% on the basis of GDP and performance standards.
Opposition meeting chaired by Kharge
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge will hold an important meeting of opposition parties on Wednesday, in which the strategy on delimitation and women’s reservation bill will be decided. Many senior leaders including Rahul Gandhi, KC Venugopal and Jairam Ramesh will attend this meeting. After this, Kharge will also hold a meeting of other opposition leaders at his residence.
Congress alleged that the provisions made by the Central Government in the bills related to delimitation and women’s reservation are against the assurances of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Jairam Ramesh said on social media that the share of southern and small states in the Lok Sabha will decrease and this will be harmful for the federal structure.
Central government and NDA’s side
At the same time, the government has called delimitation as a necessary step to implement the Women’s Reservation Act. The government says that to implement women’s reservation by 2029, Lok Sabha seats can be increased to 850. NDA has supported this move and called it a ‘historic reform’. Bills related to women’s reservation and delimitation will be discussed in the special session of Parliament, but even before that the political conflict has intensified. The opposition has called it against federal balance, while the government is calling it a step to strengthen democracy.