Tamil Nadu chief minister C Joseph Vijay on Thursday sought a “clear legislative assurance” from the Centre that southern states wouldn’t lose their share of seats in Parliament as a result of they’ve efficiently managed inhabitants progress. His remarks triggered a political row within the state, with the DMK and AIADMK accusing him of fixing his stand on delimitation.
Vijay made the remarks on the thirty first assembly of the Southern Zonal Council in Mahabalipuram. Nonetheless, he didn’t repeat a decision handed by the Tamil Nadu meeting on August 12, which known as for the 543 Lok Sabha seats to be completely frozen and the present allocation of seats amongst states to be retained.
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“I urge the Union authorities to supply a transparent legislative assurance that no state will endure a discount in its share of illustration in Parliament on account of its success in inhabitants stabilisation,” Vijay stated.
He stated such an assurance would promote equity, shield the federal steadiness and strengthen the boldness of states in democratic establishments.
Opposition slams Vijay’s flip-flop
The remarks drew criticism from each the DMK and the AIADMK.
DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai accused Vijay of “flip-flopping” on the delimitation concern.
The AIADMK additionally attacked the TVK authorities, calling its place a whole “U-turn” on delimitation.
“What you’re saying now could be precisely the identical factor the Union authorities stated. And that’s the reason the AIADMK supported the delimitation invoice when it was launched,” the social gathering’s IT Wing stated in a social media publish.
“Why conduct such a decision drama simply to flip-flop like this?” it requested.
The TVK defended Vijay’s remarks, saying there had been no change within the social gathering’s place.
“Within the speech delivered by the Chief Minister… a broad visionary perspective was offered to guard the present illustration of Southern states which have efficiently carried out inhabitants management. The decision handed in Tamil Nadu Legislative Meeting on August 12 articulates this in actionable phrases,” the social gathering’s IT Wing stated.
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It accused critics of spreading “deceptive opinions” about delimitation with out understanding the difficulty.
Talking to reporters exterior the assembly, minister for vitality assets and legislation CTR Nirmalkumar additionally stated the federal government’s place had not modified.
“There is no such thing as a change in TVK’s stance on the delimitation concern. There is no such thing as a change in our place that the variety of Lok Sabha seats ought to stay at 543,” he stated.
