37 of 57 Tamil Nadu MPs skip CM Vijay's all-party meet on delimitation
- 37 of 57 Tamil Nadu MPs did not attend the all-party meeting called by CM Vijay on delimitation.
- DMK and AIADMK stayed away from the meeting, with AIADMK defending its absence.
- Leaders at the meeting vowed a united front against the Delimitation Bill despite the low turnout.
Attendance falls short
Chief Minister Vijay's all-party meeting on delimitation suffered a significant setback on Saturday, with only 21 of the 57 Members of Parliament from Tamil Nadu attending. According to sources, 37 MPs opted out of the gathering, a figure that underscores the political fissures over the contentious issue.
The meeting was convened to forge a common strategy against the proposed Delimitation Bill, which many in the state fear could reduce Tamil Nadu's parliamentary representation. However, the absence of key opposition parties has raised questions about the efficacy of the consultative exercise.
DMK and AIADMK stay away
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), the state's two principal opposition parties, were conspicuous by their absence. The DMK had announced its decision to boycott the meeting ahead of time, citing procedural disagreements with the chief minister's approach.
The AIADMK, meanwhile, defended its decision to skip the deliberations. Party leaders argued that the meeting's format lacked inclusivity and that their concerns had not been adequately addressed in the lead-up to the event. This dual boycott has left the ruling party's initiative with a narrow political base, even as it claims broad support against the Bill.
Leaders vow united front
Despite the low turnout, leaders who did attend the meeting struck a defiant tone. In a joint statement, they vowed to present a united front against the Delimitation Bill, describing it as a threat to the state's federal rights and demographic interests. The participants resolved to take the campaign to the national stage, including approaching the central government and other state governments.
Sources indicated that the meeting also discussed the possibility of organising a statewide protest if the Bill is tabled in Parliament. The chief minister's office has not yet confirmed the specific action plan, but those present said the sentiment was unanimous — Tamil Nadu would not yield on this issue.
Political calculations
The absence of 37 MPs, however, points to deeper political calculations. Several MPs from smaller parties and independents are believed to have stayed away to avoid antagonising the central government, which is pushing the delimitation exercise. Others may be waiting to gauge public sentiment before committing to a confrontational stance.
Political observers note that the turnout reflects the challenges of building a cohesive opposition front in a state where regional parties often compete fiercely for the same voter base. The chief minister's office has maintained that the meeting was never about numbers but about sending a strong message, a claim that critics have dismissed as spin.
What lies ahead
The delimitation issue is set to intensify in the coming weeks, with the central government expected to introduce the Bill in the monsoon session of Parliament. Tamil Nadu's political class, despite its divisions, appears determined to resist, but the path to a unified campaign remains fraught.
All eyes will now be on how the DMK and AIADMK respond to the meeting's outcome, and whether they can reconcile their differences with the ruling party to mount a credible challenge. For now, the state's MPs are split, and the fight over delimitation is far from over.