States unite for fair delimitation

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin hosted a significant Joint Action Committee (JAC) meeting in Chennai on March 22, 2025, aimed at discussing ‘fair delimitation’ issues. Leaders from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Punjab gathered to discuss the potential impacts of the delimitation on their states’ representation in the Indian Parliament.

The meeting was highlighted as a historic effort to address concerns regarding equitable seat distribution, amidst protests and differing political views on the process.

Stalin’s speech

“We are not against delimitation itself, but it must be fair,” Stalin declared in his opening address. “States that have contributed to national progress by managing population growth should not be penalized with reduced representation. This is about protecting the rights of our people and preserving India’s federal structure.” He emphasized that the movement, which began as a Tamil Nadu initiative, has now evolved into a national call for justice, uniting states across regional and political divides.

Pinarayi Vijayan’s address

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan echoed Stalin’s sentiments, accusing the BJP-led central government of pursuing a delimitation process that prioritizes political gains over democratic principles. “This is an attempt to consolidate power in the Hindi-speaking north at the expense of the south,” Vijayan stated.

Revanth Reddy’s speech

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy added, “If seats are redrawn solely based on population, southern states like ours will lose our voice in Parliament, despite our contributions to India’s development.”

KTR’s speech

BRS working president KTR made a well-articulated argument. He later took to social media to put his points.
“India is a Union of states. Federalism is not a gift, it is our right! Telangana is 2.8% of India’s population but we contribute to 5.2% of GDP! We are literally punching double our weight. We cannot be penalised. We cannot be snubbed. We cannot be undermined in terms of our voice in Parliament, which is a travesty of justice.

While any true federal govt would incentivise high performing states, we have a dispensation today in India, that rewards laggards and penalises achievers.

This is not just an imbalance; it is a political and fiscal centralization that is looming large.”