Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has sounded a strong warning about the political implications of India’s upcoming delimitation exercise, asserting that the state’s success in family planning may ironically pose a threat to its representation in the national parliament.
Speaking at a wedding function in Nagapattinam, Stalin highlighted how Tamil Nadu’s consistent efforts in promoting small families and effective population control could result in a lower population count in the 2027 census. This, he said, may lead to a reduction in the number of Lok Sabha seats allotted to the state after delimitation. “We might lose our voice in Parliament despite doing the right thing,” he said, calling it a case of “punishing success.”
To address this challenge, Stalin urged families to reconsider delaying childbirth and quoted a traditional Tamil blessing: “Pathinaarum petru peruvaazhvu vaazhga” (May you have many children and lead a prosperous life). He also reaffirmed that the DMK would lead an all-party initiative to secure a parliamentary assurance that Tamil Nadu would not lose its due representation.
Meanwhile, political opponents, including AIADMK’s Edappadi K. Palaniswami and Union Minister L. Murugan, criticized Stalin’s remarks, accusing him of politicizing the issue to deflect from alleged governance failures. However, Stalin stood firm, insisting that the real issue was not politics, but justice and federal equality.
Meanwhile, in an unannounced move, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin conducted a surprise inspection at the Chief Minister’s Dispensary in Thanjavur on Monday. The visit was part of the CM’s broader visit to the district to attend various government events.
During the inspection, CM Stalin interacted directly with dispensary staff to assess the availability of medicines, the efficiency of the distribution process, and public engagement with the services offered. He also reviewed the implementation of the Chief Minister’s Pharmacy Scheme, which aims to provide essential medicines at affordable prices to the public.
Dispensary employees briefed the CM on the scheme’s success, stating that it has been widely welcomed by the public and has significantly reduced their medical expenses. Stalin’s visit underscored the government’s commitment to accessible and affordable healthcare across Tamil Nadu.