Shah Rebuts Stalin’s Delimitation Concerns, Highlights Central Funding for Tamil Nadu
Coimbatore, India – Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a sharp counteroffensive against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s claims regarding the potential impact of delimitation on southern states, particularly Tamil Nadu. Addressing BJP members during the inauguration of a new party office in Coimbatore, Shah categorically dismissed Stalin’s assertions as "misinformation" and assured the southern states that they would not face a reduction in their parliamentary representation. He emphasized that not a "single Parliamentary seat" would be lost due to the delimitation process.
The delimitation issue, which involves redrawing the boundaries of electoral constituencies, has sparked concerns in some states about potential shifts in political representation. Stalin had previously voiced apprehensions that Tamil Nadu could lose eight of its 39 Lok Sabha seats due to the exercise. He has called for an all-party meeting on March 5 to discuss the matter further.
Shah directly addressed Stalin’s concerns, reassuring the southern states and emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring fair representation for all regions. He sought to allay fears of any adverse impact on the political landscape of the southern states resulting from the delimitation process.
Beyond the delimitation issue, Shah also countered Stalin’s accusations of unfair central fund allocation to Tamil Nadu. He underscored the substantial financial support provided by the Narendra Modi government to the state, citing a figure of Rs 5,08,337 crore disbursed between 2014 and 2024. This significant investment, Shah argued, demonstrated the central government’s commitment to Tamil Nadu’s development and contradicted claims of inadequate funding.
The exchange between Shah and Stalin highlights the ongoing political discourse surrounding delimitation and resource allocation. While Stalin has expressed concerns about the potential implications of redrawing constituency boundaries, Shah has firmly rejected these concerns, assuring equitable representation and highlighting the substantial financial support provided to the state.
This public disagreement underscores the complex relationship between the central government and the Tamil Nadu state government. The two leaders have locked horns on several issues, reflecting the distinct political ideologies and priorities of their respective parties. Shah’s visit to Coimbatore and his strong rebuttal of Stalin’s claims indicate the BJP’s growing focus on Tamil Nadu and its efforts to counter the ruling DMK’s narrative. The delimitation issue and the debate surrounding central funding are likely to continue to be key points of contention in the political landscape of Tamil Nadu. The upcoming all-party meeting convened by Stalin will provide a platform for further discussion and debate on the delimitation exercise and its potential ramifications.