DMK to decide on Delimitation Bill on ‘merit’, says TN’s interests will come first

The DMK on Friday (July 17) said it will study the Bill on proposed delimitation, as and when it is tabled in Parliament, and take a decision based on "merits" to protect Tamil Nadu's interests. As and when the scope and objectives of the Bill is made known, it shall be analysed and a decision will be taken, party sources told PTI.

The DMK's decision would be independent and based on merit to protect the interests of the state. The party has been given to understand that the proposed Bill on delimitation is likely to be a standalone legislation and not part of an overall bundle of connected legislations, sources said.

A 50 per cent seat increase and retaining the existing proportion of seat distribution among states were among the points being discussed, sources in the party added.

Meeting of party’s MPs

Delimitation was among the matters taken up for discussion in the party's meeting of MPs held on July 16. DMK president MK Stalin, who is in London, addressed the meeting via video conferencing.

The DMK had staunchly opposed the delimitation exercise in its previous form, and a Constitution Amendment Bill in this connection was defeated in the Parliament in April this year.

Also Read: Stalin hails Opposition after Delimitation Bill defeat, calls it ‘turning point’

After the DMK lost power in Tamil Nadu, its long-time ally, the Congress party, walked over to the TVK camp, deserting the DMK. The grand old party has also joined the TVK government. Against this background, sources indicated that the Dravidian party will decide the matter on its own and shall not consult the Congress party.

DMK's official organ, "Murasoli", on Friday said the voice of the party's MPs representing the sentiments of the people of Tamil Nadu will echo in Parliament, to safeguard the state's rights and uphold the dignity and values of the Constitution.

A resolution to this effect was passed at the meeting of MPs on Thursday (July 16) held via videoconference under the leadership of party chief Stalin.

‘It must strengthen the union, not weaken its balance’

On April 17, 2026, when the Constitution Amendment Bill was defeated in the Lok Sabha, DMK chief Stalin, who was the then-chief minister had said, "We never opposed delimitation. We asked for fairness, for a process that is consulted, thought through, and agreed upon. Not one pushed through for political gain."

Furthermore, the DMK chief had said that delimitation was about representation, about who gets a voice in India’s democracy.

Also Read: Stalin announces black-flag protest in TN on April 16 over delimitation proposal

"It must strengthen the union, not weaken its balance," he had said.

On April 16, Stalin hoisted a black flag in Namakkal and burnt a copy of the delimitation bill and dubbed it a "black law", alleging it seeks to make the Tamil people "refugees" in their own land. After Stalin burnt a copy of the Bill, party leaders, office-bearers, and elected representatives burnt copies of the Bill in their respective regions. Udhayanidhi Stalin, then-deputy chief minister, burnt a copy in Madurai.

Stalin had warned of ‘massive agitations’

On April 14, Stalin had warned of massive agitations bringing Tamil Nadu to a standstill and "protests with full force”, if anything was done harming the state or if the political power of northern states was disproportionately increased in delimitation.

Also Read: Why delimitation Bills appear more ominous than originally thought

Delimitation and Women's Reservation Bill dominated the political discourse towards the end of the Assembly election campaign in Tamil Nadu. Assembly polls were held on April 23 and results were declared on May 4.

(With agency inputs)