The DMK MPs donned white T-shirts bearing slogans such as "Fair Delimitation, Tamil Nadu will fight, Tamil Nadu will win," expressing their apprehensions that the delimitation exercise, if based solely on population metrics, could disproportionately reduce parliamentary representation for southern states like Tamil Nadu. They argue that such an approach would penalize states that have successfully implemented population control measures.
Upon commencement of the session at 11 am, Speaker Om Birla immediately objected to the attire of the DMK members, citing Rule 349 of the parliamentary procedures, which mandates that members maintain the dignity and decorum of the House. He stated, "House functions with rules and procedures. Members have to maintain the dignity and honour of the House. But some MPs are not following the rules and violating the dignity, which is not acceptable." Birla directed the protesting members to leave the chamber and return in appropriate attire, emphasizing that the House would not function under such circumstances.
Despite the Speaker's admonition, the DMK MPs remained steadfast, leading to the first adjournment of the day. When the House reconvened at noon, the protests persisted, prompting Krishna Prasad Tenneti, who was presiding at the time, to adjourn proceedings until 2 pm. Tenneti appealed to the opposition members, stating, "We have a discussion on agriculture. Such an important topic of the country you are not allowing the discussion to take place. I request you to cooperate and let the proceedings go on." However, with no resolution in sight, the House was ultimately adjourned for the day.
The Rajya Sabha faced similar disruptions. Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar adjourned proceedings shortly after they began, announcing a meeting with floor leaders to address the situation. Despite these efforts, the deadlock continued, leading to multiple adjournments and a premature end to the day's session.
The crux of the DMK's protest lies in the anticipated delimitation exercise, which aims to redraw parliamentary and assembly constituencies based on population data. The DMK contends that relying solely on population figures would unfairly disadvantage states like Tamil Nadu, which have effectively implemented family planning and population control initiatives. They argue that such states should not be penalized with reduced representation for their success in controlling population growth.
This protest is part of a broader strategy by the DMK to bring national attention to the potential implications of the delimitation exercise. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has been vocal on this issue, organizing conclaves with regional leaders to discuss and strategize responses to the proposed changes. The party's actions in Parliament are seen as an extension of these efforts to safeguard the state's political representation.
The day's events have sparked a debate on the appropriateness of protest methods within the parliamentary framework. While the DMK maintains that their actions are a legitimate form of democratic expression, critics argue that such demonstrations disrupt legislative business and violate established norms of parliamentary decorum.
As the Budget Session continues, it remains to be seen how the government and opposition will navigate this contentious issue. The DMK's unwavering stance suggests that the delimitation debate will persist, potentially leading to further disruptions in parliamentary proceedings.
The Speaker's invocation of Rule 349 underscores the delicate balance between allowing freedom of expression and maintaining order within the legislative assembly. This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges inherent in addressing regional concerns within the broader national legislative agenda.