Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Friday renewed his opposition to the proposed delimitation exercise, asserting that the state would not accept any attempt by the Centre to revive the proposal as it would undermine the political representation of southern states.
Speaking during his first official visit to Karur after assuming office, Vijay said Tamil Nadu would firmly resist any move that sought to redraw parliamentary constituencies in a manner that, according to him, would reduce the state's voice in national decision-making.
"I am also hearing that delimitation will be brought back. No matter who brings it, Tamil Nadu will not accept it. Nobody can take away our place, and we will not allow it," Vijay said while addressing a public gathering.
The Chief Minister made the remarks while handing over government job appointment orders to the families of those who lost their lives in last year's Karur stampede. During his address, he also criticised the previous DMK government, alleging it had failed to prevent the tragedy and later attempted to derive political mileage from the incident.
Vijay's latest comments reiterate the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam's (TVK) long-standing opposition to the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, which sought to facilitate a fresh delimitation exercise. Ahead of the Assembly elections, he had urged the Centre to withdraw the proposed legislation, describing it as a measure that would disproportionately increase the parliamentary representation of northern states while reducing the influence of southern states, particularly Tamil Nadu.
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The TVK chief has consistently maintained that while his party supports 33 per cent reservation for women, it opposes the delimitation proposal because it could significantly alter the balance of representation in Parliament. He argued that such changes would affect the ability of southern states to influence national policies on language, culture, education, federalism and state rights.
Vijay also expressed concern that the exercise could adversely affect Tamil Nadu's share of central financial assistance. He argued that many Union schemes allocate funds based on population, and any increase in the representation of more populous states could eventually translate into a reduced share of resources for states like Tamil Nadu that have successfully implemented population control measures.
According to Vijay, such an outcome would effectively penalise states that complied with national development and family planning goals while rewarding those with higher population growth. He urged the Centre to retain the existing framework for parliamentary representation and fund allocation.
The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, failed to secure the required two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha during a special session of Parliament held in April. However, reports suggesting that the Centre may consider bringing back the proposal prompted Vijay to once again reiterate Tamil Nadu's opposition, saying the state would continue to resist any move that weakens its constitutional and political standing.
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