Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday called upon the people of the state to “rise” in defense of Tamil Nadu, as it faces challenges related to the delimitation of constituencies and the three-language policy.
In a video message, Stalin emphasized that Tamil Nadu is currently confronted with two major issues: one concerning language, which is a vital part of the state’s identity, and the other, delimitation, which directly affects the state’s political rights. He highlighted that constituency delimitation impacts the state’s self-respect, social justice, and welfare programs.
“Today, Tamil Nadu is facing two crucial struggles—the battle for our language, which is at the heart of our existence, and the fight against delimitation, which is a matter of our rightful representation. I urge you to communicate the core of our struggle to the people. Delimitation threatens our self-respect, social justice, and the welfare initiatives that benefit the people of Tamil Nadu. Every individual must rise to defend our state,” Stalin said in a video message shared on social media platform X.
Stalin also noted that other states have shown their solidarity against the central government’s moves. “Today, voices of solidarity are rising from Karnataka, Punjab, Telangana, and beyond. Yet, despite this resistance, the Union Government claims it is not imposing its will on us, though their actions speak otherwise,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister also criticized the central government’s three-language policy, accusing it of leading to the withholding of rightful funds for the state. He further expressed concerns that the delimitation process could affect Tamil Nadu’s representation in Parliament. “The three-language policy has already resulted in the withholding of our rightful funds. Similarly, while the government claims Tamil Nadu’s parliamentary seats will not be reduced, it refuses to assure that other states won’t see disproportionate increases in their representation. Our demand is clear: do not base the determination of parliamentary constituencies solely on population. We will never compromise on Tamil Nadu’s welfare and future,” Stalin asserted. “Tamil Nadu will resist! Tamil Nadu will prevail.”
Earlier, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah also expressed skepticism about Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s assurance to southern states that they would not be adversely affected in the delimitation process. “Shah’s statement seems aimed at sowing confusion in the southern states. Either he lacks accurate information, or there is a deliberate attempt to disadvantage southern states like Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh,” Siddaramaiah remarked.
