DMK Signals Shift on Delimitation Bill, Raises Hope of Support for NDA After NCP; Sets Conditions to Protect Southern States’ Interests
DMK indicates possible support for the NDA government’s proposed delimitation bill, provided the interests and political representation of southern states are fully protected.
The Lok Sabha delimitation process, proposed after the 2029 Census, has become a major political issue. While the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has already indicated its support for the bill, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) now also appears to be softening its stand. This has raised hopes that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) may secure the necessary support in Parliament.
The DMK, which has 22 MPs in the Lok Sabha, has made it clear that it is willing to hold discussions with the government. However, the party has laid down some important conditions. It says that the delimitation process should not reduce the political representation of southern Indian states. The DMK has argued that states which have successfully controlled their population should not be penalised with fewer parliamentary seats.
The DMK maintains that southern states have made significant progress in population control over the years. In such a situation, allocating Lok Sabha seats solely on the basis of population could reduce their representation. The party wants the government to provide clear assurances that the rights and representation of southern states will remain protected.
Meanwhile, the NCP’s supportive stance has strengthened the government’s position on the delimitation issue. If the DMK also extends its support, the NDA could find it easier to secure broader political backing in Parliament. However, the DMK has clarified that its support will not be unconditional and will depend on safeguards for regional interests.
The central government is considering carrying out the delimitation process after the 2029 Census. The objective is to redistribute parliamentary seats based on population and other relevant factors. The process could significantly affect the number and distribution of Lok Sabha constituencies across different states.
Political analysts believe that the DMK and NCP’s positions could lead to a new political debate between the government and the opposition. However, the final outcome will depend on whether the government can address the concerns of southern states. The issue is expected to remain an important topic of political discussion in Parliament in the coming days.
