Centre’s Delimitation Will Suppress Voices Of Southern States: Chidambaram

Coimbatore : Opposing the proposed delimitation exercise of the central government, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Wednesday claimed that the move would suppress the political voice of the southern states. He said the southern states of Kerala and Karnataka also share these concerns.Labelling the timing of the parliamentary session between April 16 and 29 as a “planned conspiracy”, he argued that it is aimed at preventing MPs from Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, engaged in election campaigns, from attending it. Noting that Congress has requested the Centre to postpone the session, citing elections in these two states, he asked, “What is the danger if the Parliament session could be held after the elections?” “There is no urgency to hold a parliament session at this point of time during the elections. A total of 67 members would be unable to participate due to election duties in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal,” he added. Observing that Tamil Nadu’s current representation in the Lok Sabha is 39 and it may rise to 58, he alleged that the voice of the southern states in the Lok Sabha will be “suppressed and stifled”. He called for defeating and unanimously opposing the delimitation bill. Chidambaram voiced concerns over the 50 per cent seat increase and the adverse effects of the delimitation in the state. “It is shocking to note AIADMK general secretary Edappadi Palaniswami’s response to the delimitation, citing Amit Shah’s assurance that it will not affect Tamil Nadu.” He also appealed to the people to oppose the delimitation process initiated by the Centre. The central government will also introduce a Women’s Reservation Amendments Bill during the upcoming special session of Parliament starting April 16. The Congress veteran also criticised the Parliament for refusing to discuss pressing issues such as rising prices of petrol, diesel, LPG, as well as import and export restrictions. He questioned the purpose of a Parliament that rejected proposals to debate these vital issues, including the West Asia war’s impact.



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