Madurai, 09 August (H.S.):

Tamil Nadu Minister Nirmal Kumar on Sunday warned that any population-based delimitation exercise that reduces the State’s representation in Parliament would undermine its political rights, and accused the DMK of having a “secret understanding” with the BJP on the contentious issue.

Speaking to reporters after participating in a marathon organised as part of a campaign to make Madurai a garbage-free city, Kumar said political parties in Tamil Nadu should set aside their differences and unite against any delimitation formula that could adversely affect the State.

He alleged that the Union government was pursuing delimitation for political reasons despite concerns raised by southern States. Tamil Nadu, which has achieved considerable success in population control, should not be penalised with fewer parliamentary seats because of its demographic performance, he said.

Any reduction in representation would weaken Tamil Nadu’s voice in national decision-making and could have wider consequences for States that have successfully controlled population growth, Kumar said.

The minister also stepped up his attack on the DMK, alleging that reports suggested the party could stage a walkout when the delimitation issue comes up in Parliament instead of remaining in the House and voting against it.

“If the DMK genuinely opposes delimitation, it should vote against the proposal,” he said, arguing that a walkout would indirectly help the BJP by avoiding a direct vote.

Kumar claimed that the DMK had earlier portrayed itself as a strong defender of Tamil Nadu’s interests on delimitation, but its actions would now reveal its actual position.

He alleged that any attempt to avoid voting against the proposal would amount to a betrayal of Tamil Nadu and other States concerned about losing political representation under a population-based formula.

Kumar further accused the DMK leadership of compromising the State’s interests to protect the political interests of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s family, alleging that the party was willing to accommodate the BJP when politically convenient.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman