TN MPs meeting seeks freeze on Lok Sabha seats amid delimitation row

CHENNAI: Chief Minister Vijay convened a meeting with Members of Parliament from Tamil Nadu on Sunday, pressing for a freeze on the existing 543 Lok Sabha seats. The move is the latest escalation in the state's confrontation with the Centre over the proposed Delimitation Bill.

The meeting, held at the state secretariat, saw attendance from 21 of the state's 57 MPs. The DMK and AIADMK, the two principal opposition parties, chose to stay away, a boycott that underscores the political fault lines on the issue.

Freeze on seats: the core demand

The central demand from the meeting is a constitutional freeze on the number of Lok Sabha seats, which currently stands at 543. Tamil Nadu argues that any redrawing of boundaries based on population would penalise states that have successfully controlled population growth.

Officials familiar with the discussions said the state would push for a uniform formula that does not reduce the representation of southern states. The resolution, expected to be passed after an all-party meet, will be sent to the Centre and the Election Commission.

CM Vijay's office has not yet confirmed the exact wording of the proposed resolution, but sources indicate it will call for a status quo on seat allocation until 2026 or beyond.

Boycott by DMK and AIADMK

The absence of DMK and AIADMK MPs is significant. Both parties have criticised the meeting as a political exercise, with the DMK calling it a "diversionary tactic" and the AIADMK questioning the timing of the consultation.

Political observers note that the boycott leaves the ruling party's narrative unchallenged within the state, but also weakens the optics of a united Tamil Nadu front. The BJP, which supports the delimitation exercise, has accused the state government of spreading fear.

Despite the boycott, the meeting proceeded with the MPs present, who represented various parties, including the Congress and smaller allies.

Different strokes across states

Tamil Nadu's stance contrasts sharply with that of Punjab, where the state government has taken a more conciliatory approach. While Punjab has expressed reservations, it has not moved to pass a formal resolution against the bill.

The divergence highlights the varying political calculations in states likely to lose or gain seats. Southern states, with lower fertility rates, fear a reduction in their parliamentary strength, while northern states could see an increase.

The Union government has maintained that delimitation is necessary to ensure fair representation and has not commented on the Tamil Nadu resolution.

What happens next

The Tamil Nadu cabinet is expected to approve the resolution in the coming days, followed by a special session of the assembly. The state is also exploring legal options, though no decision has been announced.

With the delimitation process expected to begin after the next census, the coming months will be crucial. The state's next move, and the Centre's response, will determine whether this escalates into a full-blown constitutional standoff.