Delimitation is BJP conspiracy, designed to take away power from Tamil Nadu: Rahul
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the proposed delimitation exercise, alleging that it was
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the proposed delimitation exercise, alleging that it was a calculated attempt to weaken Tamil Nadu's political voice and reduce its influence in Parliament. Addressing a training programme for Tamil Nadu District Congress Committee (DCC) presidents, the Leader of the Opposition claimed that the proposed exercise was designed to deprive the state of its rightful representation despite its success in population control over the decades. Read Full Story "Delimitation is designed to take away power from the people of Tamil Nadu.
This is a BJP conspiracy. There was a historical character in Tamil called Ettappan who was symbolic of betrayal. Anyone who supports delimitation is betraying Tamil Nadu and the future of Tamil Nadu. No Tamil person should support delimitation. Every single national party must defeat delimitation," Gandhi said. BJP IS ALSO ETTAPPAN: GANDHI Drawing a parallel with Ettappan, a figure often associated with betrayal in Tamil history and folklore, Gandhi accused supporters of the proposed exercise of acting against the interests of the state. He urged political parties across the country to unite against the delimitation proposal, arguing that it would undermine the voice of southern states in the national legislature.
The Congress leader's remarks come amid renewed political debate over the Centre's proposed delimitation exercise. Several southern states, including Tamil Nadu, have expressed concerns that a fresh delimitation based on updated population figures could reduce their relative representation in Parliament, despite having implemented effective family planning measures and maintained lower population growth compared with several northern states. CONGRESS CONSISTENTLY OPPOSES DELIMITATION BILL The Congress has consistently opposed the proposed exercise alongside its ally, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), maintaining that states should not be penalised for successfully controlling population growth. However, despite having 22 Members of Parliament, the party's campaign against delimitation has remained relatively subdued in recent months.
The ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, has also opposed any delimitation exercise that it believes would disadvantage Tamil Nadu. Although the party currently has no representation in Parliament, it has maintained that it will continue resisting any move that reduces the state's political representation or weakens its constitutional rights. Ends
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