Chennai, April 17 (IANS) The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Friday led a strong political offensive against the Centre’s proposed delimitation exercise, calling it a “defining moment” in Tamil Nadu’s political history and warning of serious consequences if the legislation is pushed through the Parliament.

Positioning itself at the forefront of the resistance, the DMK said the outcome of its sustained protests would determine the future of Tamil Nadu’s political representation.

The party reiterated that, despite mounting pressure, it would not accept any move that could dilute the state’s voice in the Parliament.

The DMK also expressed deep scepticism on recent verbal assurances given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the Parliament that Tamil Nadu’s representation would not be reduced, arguing that the contents of the Bill contradict those assurances.

Criticising the legislation, the DMK said the sweeping powers granted to the Delimitation Commission could allow arbitrary changes in state representation. It described the Bill as a “calculated and deceptive move” that could undermine federal principles and disproportionately affect southern states.

“The Union government’s words offer reassurance, but the structure of the Bill reveals a different intent,” the DMK said, warning that the provisions leave room for political manipulation.

Demanding the immediate withdrawal of the Bill, the party cautioned the Centre against attempting to pass it using its parliamentary majority. It warned that any effort to “bulldoze” the legislation without consensus would trigger a strong political backlash in Tamil Nadu.

Drawing parallels with the past, DMK leaders recalled how Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee had safeguarded federal balance by freezing delimitation through constitutional amendments.

Accusing the present regime of eroding state rights, the DMK said it continues to advocate for restoring constitutional safeguards that ensure fair representation. The party urged the Union government to listen to the voice of Tamil Nadu and engage in meaningful dialogue, even as the issue is set to remain a major political flashpoint in the days ahead.

–IANS

aal/vd