The BJP's state unit, led by Tamil Nadu President K. Annamalai, criticized the DMK's initiative, labeling it a "political drama" aimed at diverting attention from pressing state issues. Annamalai, clad in a black shirt as a symbol of protest, addressed reporters, asserting that the meeting was unnecessary given the Centre's assurance that there would be no reduction in the number of Lok Sabha seats. He further accused Chief Minister M.K. Stalin of neglecting vital state matters, such as the Mekedatu dam project involving Karnataka, while extending invitations to neighboring states for the meeting.
The Joint Action Committee meeting, dubbed the 'Fair Delimitation' conference, was attended by leaders from seven states, including Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, West Bengal, and Punjab. Chief Minister Stalin emphasized the significance of the gathering, stating that it marked the beginning of a movement to ensure fair representation in Parliament. He expressed concerns that delimitation based solely on current population figures could disproportionately affect states like Tamil Nadu that have successfully implemented population control measures.
Stalin highlighted the potential consequences of such a delimitation exercise, cautioning that a decrease in parliamentary representation would diminish the state's ability to voice its concerns at the national level. He called for a united front among the participating states to oppose any delimitation based solely on population, advocating for a fair and just approach that considers the efforts of states in controlling population growth.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan echoed Stalin's sentiments, describing the proposed delimitation as an attack on democracy. He argued that the sudden move was not driven by constitutional principles or democratic imperatives but seemed to penalize states that had effectively managed population growth. Vijayan warned that such actions could undermine the federal structure of the country and called for continuous action to establish and protect states' rights.
The BJP, however, dismissed these concerns. Annamalai accused the DMK of using the delimitation issue as a smokescreen to divert attention from allegations of corruption and administrative failures within the state. He criticized Stalin for not convening similar meetings on critical inter-state issues, such as the Cauvery and Mullaperiyar water-sharing disputes with Karnataka and Kerala, respectively. Annamalai questioned the DMK's priorities, suggesting that the party was more interested in political theatrics than addressing the genuine concerns of Tamil Nadu's citizens.
The BJP's black flag protests were staged across various locations in Tamil Nadu, with party cadres participating in large numbers. The demonstrators accused the DMK of orchestrating a "mega drama" and called on the state government to focus on resolving pressing issues affecting the populace. The protests were largely peaceful, though they underscored the escalating tensions between the BJP and the DMK over the delimitation discourse.
Political analysts observe that the delimitation debate has become a flashpoint in Tamil Nadu's political landscape, reflecting deeper concerns about representation and federalism. The DMK's initiative to rally non-BJP-ruled states signifies a strategic move to build a coalition advocating for a more equitable approach to delimitation. This collective stance aims to ensure that states' efforts in population control are recognized and not penalized in the allocation of parliamentary seats.
The BJP's counter-protests highlight the party's efforts to challenge the DMK's narrative and assert its position in Tamil Nadu's political arena. By labeling the DMK's actions as diversionary tactics, the BJP seeks to shift the focus to issues of governance and corruption, aiming to resonate with the electorate's concerns. This confrontation between the two parties is likely to intensify as the delimitation issue progresses, potentially influencing the political dynamics in the state.
As the debate unfolds, the central government's stance on the delimitation process will be pivotal. The assurances given by Union Home Minister Amit Shah that there would be no reduction in Tamil Nadu's Lok Sabha seats have been met with skepticism by the DMK and allied parties. They demand concrete actions and legal safeguards to ensure that the representation of southern states is not diminished. The outcome of this discourse will have significant implications for the balance of political power and the principles of federalism in India.