MPs protest in the parliament against population-based delimitation of constituencies

Opposition MPs, including members of the DMK and Congress, staged a protest in the Parliament complex on March 19 against the proposed population-based delimitation of constituencies. The protesting MPs included DMK leaders Kanimozhi, Trichy Siva, Dayanidhi Maran, NVN Somu, P Wilson, as well as Viduthalai Siruthaigal Party MP Thol Thirumavalavan and Congress MP Jyothimani. Holding placards and raising slogans such as “Don't cheat the southern states” and “Don't reduce constituencies based on population,” they voiced strong opposition to the proposed changes.
Congress MP Jyothimani also recorded her views in the Lok Sabha under Rule No. 377, emphasizing that the proposed delimitation would significantly reduce the political representation of southern states like Tamil Nadu. She pointed out that Tamil Nadu and other southern states have successfully implemented population control measures for decades, a policy encouraged by the Union government. However, she argued that the new delimitation approach would penalize these states for their success, while states with higher population growth would gain greater political power.
She further criticised the Union Home Minister’s assurance that the seats of southern states would not be reduced, questioning the fairness of a system that rewards states that failed in population control while weakening the political influence of states like Tamil Nadu. She warned that this move would diminish the voice of the southern states in national decision-making bodies, despite their significant contributions to the economy, society, and culture.
Jyothimani demanded that the Union government provide a clear explanation on the basis for constituency realignment and assure that Tamil Nadu and the southern states would not face reduced representation. She insisted that the southern states would not accept being relegated to a second-class political status.