The Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) has confirmed its participation in the all-party meeting scheduled for March 5 to discuss concerns over the potential reduction of Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu due to delimitation.PMK founder Dr. S. Ramadoss assured the state government that his party would support all measures aimed at preventing any reduction in Tamil Naduās parliamentary representation. In a statement, he expressed apprehensions over delimitation based on population figures, warning that it could lead to a decrease in the number of Lok Sabha constituencies in the state to 32 or 31.
“I have been demanding an increase in Lok Sabha seats to 1,000 so that more representatives can be sent to Parliament. However, reports indicate that delimitation could be based on population, which would unfairly affect Tamil Nadu and other southern states,” he stated.
Ramadoss argued that population-based delimitation is unjust, as southern states have effectively controlled population growth, benefiting both their regions and the country as a whole. “Instead of reducing seats, the southern states should be rewarded with more parliamentary constituencies. Otherwise, it would amount to punishing states that have successfully managed population growth,” he added.
He also criticized the clarification given by Union Minister Amit Shah, calling it unclear. According to Ramadoss, if the total Lok Sabha seats are increased to 721, Tamil Nadu should get 52 seats, and if expanded to 888, the state should be allocated 64 seats.
With delimitation being a crucial issue that could impact Tamil Naduās political representation, the March 5 all-party meeting is expected to be a significant platform for discussions and potential resolutions.