Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India]: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday called upon the people to “rise” in defense of the state against the delimitation of constituencies and the three-language policy.
In a video message, Stalin emphasized that Tamil Nadu is facing two major challenges—one related to language and the other concerning constituency delimitation.
“Today, Tamil Nadu is confronting two critical challenges – the battle for language, which is our lifeline, and the fight against delimitation, which is our right. I earnestly urge you to convey the true essence of our battle to the people. Constituency delimitation directly impacts our state’s self-respect, social justice, and welfare schemes for the people. You should take this message to people. Every individual must rise to defend our state,” Stalin said in his video message shared on X.
He further highlighted that voices of solidarity were emerging from other states against the central government’s policies.
“Today, we are witnessing voice of solidarity rising from Karnataka, Punjab, Telangana and beyond. Faced with this resistance, the Union Government insists that it is not imposing its will upon us, yet all their actions suggest otherwise,” Stalin stated.
Criticizing the three-language policy, Stalin asserted that it had already led to the central government withholding funds meant for Tamil Nadu. He also warned that delimitation could impact the state’s parliamentary representation.
“Their three-language policy has already resulted in the withholding of our rightful funds. Likewise, while they claim they will not reduce Tamil Nadu’s parliamentary seats, they are unwilling to assure that the representation of other states will not be disproportionately increased. Our demand is clear – do not determine parliamentary constituencies based on population alone…We will never compromise on Tamil Nadu’s welfare and future for anyone or anything…Tamil Nadu will resist! Tamil Nadu will prevail,” he declared.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also expressed skepticism over Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s assurances regarding the delimitation process.
“Going by the home minister’s vague remarks, it seems that either he lacks proper information or there is a deliberate intent to disadvantage the southern states, including Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh,” Siddaramaiah said, adding that Shah’s statement appeared to be aimed at creating confusion among southern states.