'Calculated deception': MK Stalin flags threat to southern states, rejects Centre’s pitch on delimitation

NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Thursday strongly opposed the Centre’s proposed Delimitation Bill, calling it a “calculated deception” and warning that any attempt to push it through Parliament would face resistance in Tamil Nadu.In a post on X, Stalin described the issue as a turning point in the state’s political history and said Tamil Nadu’s campaign against delimitation had compelled the Centre to respond. "Today is a defining moment in Tamil Nadu’s political history. It is the day we will see the outcome of our relentless resistance against delimitation."He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah had verbally assured Parliament that Tamil Nadu’s representation would not be reduced, but accused the government of acting differently through the Bill."In the face of our sustained protests and uncompromising opposition, the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister have, on the floor of Parliament, offered a verbal assurance that Tamil Nadu’s representation will not be reduced.""But their words say one thing, their actions reveal another. The Bill they have introduced is nothing but a calculated deception. We reject it outright. It cannot be trusted. It will not be accepted."Stalin alleged that the powers proposed for the Delimitation Commission could be misused to alter the representation of states for political purposes."The sweeping powers granted to the Delimitation Commission under this Bill make one thing clear. At any time, in any manner they choose, they can alter the representation of states to suit their political interests. This so called legislation is a carefully crafted trap, loaded with dangerous intent."He demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Bill and warned the Union government against forcing it through Parliament."This Bill must not be rushed through in haste. The Union Government must withdraw it in full. If they attempt to bulldoze it through Parliament, emboldened by the numbers they have stitched together, and in complete disregard of our opposition, they will face the consequences in Tamil Nadu."Stalin also invoked former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on language policy, alleging that the present regime was weakening state rights."Jawaharlal Nehru assured that Hindi would never be imposed, and he honoured that promise as long as he lived. The present Union regime, however, speaks of protecting state rights even as it systematically dismantles them piece by piece."He said the constitutional safeguards introduced under former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Atal Bihari Vajpayee to freeze delimitation must be restored."What we demand is clear. The same constitutional safeguard that former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Atal Bihari Vajpayee provided by freezing delimitation through constitutional amendment must be restored.""The Union BJP Government must listen to the voice of Tamil Nadu."