Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin on Thursday burnt a copy of the proposed delimitation bill, calling it a ‘black law’ and alleging that it would reduce the political representation of Tamil people and turn them into ‘refugees in their own land’.
Stalin hoisted a black flag and set fire to the copy of the bill circulated by the Union government at Namakkal in western Tamil Nadu, where he was stationed for election-related campaigning. He also raised slogans against the move ahead of a special session of Parliament.
‘Poradavom, Velvom ondraga’ (Let us struggle, win together) was among the slogans raised by Stalin and DMK workers dressed in black during the protest.
Following his action, DMK leaders, office-bearers and elected representatives carried out similar protests across the state by burning copies of the bill in their respective regions. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin also burnt a copy during his campaign in Madurai, joining the statewide protest.
Udhayanidhi Stalin alleged that delimitation was being used by the Centre as a tool to reduce the representation of southern states in Parliament. He accused the Union government of ‘continuously betraying’ Tamil Nadu and claimed it was attempting to implement policies with support from some northern states.
He further said the people of Tamil Nadu would never accept such ‘arrogance’ and called on cadres to intensify the protest. “Let the fire seeking rights spread across India,” he said in a statement.
Also read: Don’t spread rumours on delimitation: Rijiju to Oppn
At the DMK headquarters, Anna Arivalayam, party leaders including RS Bharathi and TKS Elangovan led similar demonstrations, where workers also burnt copies of the bill while wearing black attire.
Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K. Selvaperunthagai staged a black flag protest in Salem condemning the Centre over delimitation. Dravidar Kazhagam chief K. Veeramani also hoisted a black flag and burnt a copy of the bill.
DMK allies, including CPI and CPI(M), also joined the protests by raising black flags across Tamil Nadu. Black flags were seen at several locations, including party offices, residences of leaders, and public spaces.
In a statement, Stalin said the protest symbolised resistance against what he termed a ‘black law’ that seeks to undermine Tamil Nadu’s rights. Drawing a historical parallel, he referred to the anti-Hindi agitation of the 1960s, saying similar resistance had earlier forced Delhi to respond to Tamil concerns.
He added that the current movement would spread across the ‘Dravidian land’ and intensify until the Centre withdrew its stance, while cadres across the state continued coordinated protests in support of the DMK’s call.
Follow us
