Chidambaram's Stand Against Delimitation: A Voice for Southern States

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram opposes the central government's delimitation exercise, arguing it stifles the political voice of southern states like Kerala and Karnataka. Highlighting concerns about the exclusion of MPs during a special Parliament session, Chidambaram criticizes the session's timing and pushes for unified opposition against the bill.

Opposition is mounting against the central government's proposed delimitation exercise, with senior Congress leader P Chidambaram voicing significant concerns on Wednesday. He claims that the initiative will effectively suppress the political influence of southern states, particularly Kerala and Karnataka, in national discussions.

Chidambaram characterized the special three-day Parliament session starting April 16 as a ''planned conspiracy,'' aiming to exclude MPs from Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, who are busy with election campaigns, from participating. He pointed out that Congress has already requested to postpone the session, questioning the urgency of conducting it during election times.

Further, he highlighted the potential negative impact on Tamil Nadu's representation, which could increase from 39 to 58 seats in the Lok Sabha, potentially diminishing the southern voice. Chidambaram also expressed dismay at AIADMK Secretary Edappadi Palaniswami's remarks showing support for the delimitation, calling for widespread opposition against the bill, and urging discussions on important issues such as fuel prices and international trade policies.

(With inputs from agencies.)