Tamil Nadu CM Vijay changes stand on delimitation, seeks protection on state’s share in Parliament | Chennai News

CHENNAI: Chief minister C Joseph Vijay has softened his stand on delimitation, moving from the demand for a freeze on the existing number of Lok Sabha seats to a request that each state’s current share of parliamentary representation be protected.“I urge the Union govt to provide a clear legislative assurance that no state will suffer a reduction in its percentage of representation in Parliament on account of its success in population stabilisation,’’ Vijay said at the 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting chaired by Union home minister Amit Shah at Mamallapuram on Thursday.Vijay’s remark indicated a shift from the categorical opposition to delimitation through the resolution he moved in the TN assembly on Aug 12. In contrast, Karnataka chief minister D K Shivakumar demanded that Union govt retain existing LS seats for the next 25 years.“As the freeze on allocation of Lok Sabha seats based on 1971 Census approaches its end and the Delimitation Bill 2026 is considered, there is a genuine and shared concern across southern states that delimitation based predominantly on populations may diminish our current voice in Parliament,’’ Vijay said. Vijay said southern states have been at the forefront of population stabilisation, human development and economic growth. “These achievements reflect the successful implementation of national priorities and should not result in a reduction of our representation,” he said.Urging the Union govt to provide legislative assurance that there would not be a reduction in the state’s representation in Parliament, Vijay said such an approach would uphold the principles of equity, preserve the federal balance envisioned by the Constitution and reinforce the confidence of all states in democratic institutions.On education, Vijay sought exemption for Tamil Nadu from NEET and permission to fill all seats under the state quota in MBBS, BDS and AYUSH courses based on Class XII marks.Vijay spoke at length on inter-state water disputes, stressing the rights of lower-riparian states. He said Supreme Court and tribunal orders on inter-state water disputes should be implemented in letter and spirit. “On Cauvery, timely implementation of the SC judgment and decisions of Cauvery Water Management Authority remain essential,’’ he said. On Mullaperiyar dam, Vijay said “safety must continue to be guided by judicial decisions for increasing the water level to 152ft”.Calling for stronger cooperation between southern states and Centre, Vijay said shared economic interests and natural resources should unite states rather than become sources of conflict. “Let us resolve our differences through dialogue, mutual respect and the rule of law. This is the essence of cooperative federalism,” he said.Vijay said southern states should build on their economic strengths and common markets to promote balanced development, while differences between neighbouring states should not affect broader ties.He urged Centre to ensure that the next Finance Commission’s approach to fiscal devolution recognised both need and performance. “The southern states seek not preferential treatment, but fair and equitable treatment,’’ he said.Meanwhile, AMMK leader T T V Dhinakaran attacked the TVK govt for changing its stand on delimitation within a week of passing a resolution in the assembly. “Is the TVK govt shifting its stance on parliamentary delimitation?” he asked. He said just weeks after convening a meeting with alliance MPs and rushing a resolution against delimitation in the assembly, Vijay’s recent remarks presented a glaring contradiction.