Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, on Saturday, called for broader discussions on the delimitation issue, saying it needed “much more talking” among all stakeholders. Speaking to the media in Bhubaneswar, Tharoor emphasised that the matter required important conversations with multiple parties involved.
At the same time, the first meeting of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) on delimitation took place in Chennai. The committee passed a resolution expressing concerns about the lack of “transparency and clarity” in the Union government’s approach to the delimitation process.
The committee members were particularly troubled that the exercise was carried out without consulting key stakeholders, including state governments and political parties.
The JAC meeting was initiated by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, with participation from various opposition leaders and chief ministers. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam MP Kanimozhi addressed a press conference following the meeting, reading out the resolution passed by the committee.
Also read: JAC passes resolution on delimitation, seeks 25-year freeze
She said the JAC was deeply concerned about the way the delimitation process had been conducted, especially as it did not involve proper consultations. The resolution expressed the need for greater transparency in any future delimitation exercise. The JAC members stressed that the process should include discussions with all political parties, state governments, and other stakeholders.
Kanimozhi also highlighted the legislative intent behind several constitutional amendments, such as the 42nd, 84th, and 87th amendments. These amendments aimed to protect and incentivise states that effectively implemented population control measures.
The committee agreed that the freeze on parliamentary constituencies, based on the 1971 census population, should be extended by another 25 years. This would allow the country more time to stabilise its population and ensure that the needs of all regions are properly considered.
The JAC meeting in Chennai was attended by several political leaders. These included Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Odisha Congress President Bhakta Charan Das, and Biju Janata Dal leader Sanjay Kumar Das Burma, among others.
During the meeting, Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin announced that the next JAC meeting would be held in Hyderabad, Telangana.
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