Namakkal, 16 April (H.S.):

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin on Thursday escalated his protest against the Centre’s proposed delimitation exercise by symbolically burning a copy of the bill and hoisting a black flag, as demonstrations swept across the State.

Leading the agitation in Namakkal, Stalin publicly burned the proposed legislation and raised a black flag, responding to his earlier call urging residents to display black flags atop their homes. He has described the delimitation proposal as a “black law” that could undermine Tamil Nadu’s political representation.

In a parallel show of dissent, a black flag was also hoisted outside his residence in Chennai, with the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) stating that the move was intended to reinforce opposition and mobilise public participation.

The protests coincide with a special session of Parliament from April 16 to 18, during which the Union government is expected to introduce key legislations, including the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill and the Delimitation Bill.

The proposed exercise aims to redraw parliamentary constituencies based on population changes and facilitate the implementation of 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha. At present, the Lok Sabha has 543 elected members, based on the 1971 Census. The Centre is considering expanding the House to around 850 seats, including representation for Union Territories.

Critics, particularly from southern states, argue that a population-based redistribution could disproportionately benefit northern states, reducing the representation of regions like Tamil Nadu that have effectively controlled population growth.

Amid the protests, Stalin also continued his election campaign in Namakkal ahead of the April 23 Assembly polls. He held a roadshow near the Uzhavar Sandhai area alongside party candidate Rani, interacting with voters and seeking support for the DMK’s ‘Rising Sun’ symbol.

Reiterating his stance, Stalin said Tamil Nadu would strongly resist any move that disrupts the federal balance or weakens the State’s voice in Parliament.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman