Census delay a sinister move to weaken southern states: MK Stalin slams Centre
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has alleged that the delay in conducting the National Census and the upcoming delimitation exercise are part of a calculated move by the Union Government to undermine the political representation of southern states. "The Census delay is no accident. The delimitation plan is not a coincidence," says Stalin.Calling the delay in the Census a 'sinister design,' Stalin warned that states like Tamil Nadu, which followed population control policies, would now be penalised for their progress. 'The 2027 Census will form the basis for the next delimitation, replacing the 1971 data. This gives the Union BJP Government the means to restructure Parliamentary representation to its advantage, at the cost of the Southern States,' he said.advertisementStalin questioned the credibility of the Union Government's assurances, saying, 'The Ministry of Home Affairs claims that the concerns of affected States will be addressed. But these are vague remarks. What is needed is a clear Parliamentary commitment and a suitable constitutional amendment.'
Drawing parallels with the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, the Chief Minister remarked, 'While the Union Government spoke of restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, Article 370 was abrogated. Elections were held. Assurances were given in the Supreme Court. Yet, Jammu and Kashmir remains a Union Territory. This is the track record of the BJP we are dealing with.'Warning of the potential consequences of the proposed delimitation, Stalin said, 'If the Union Government proceeds with the delimitation based on the 2027 Census, the democratic power of peninsular India will be reduced to irrelevance. The danger I warned of is at our doorstep.'Taking a swipe at the opposition AIADMK and its leader, Edappadi K Palaniswami, Stalin said, 'Even if betrayers like the AIADMK choose to kneel before the BJP for their political survival, the people of Tamil Nadu led by the DMK will never allow our state to be punished for its progress.'Must Watch
IN THIS STORY#Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin
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