Don't repeat 1967 delimitation injustice, CM Vijay writes to PM Modi

CHENNAI: Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to consider the Tamil Nadu Assembly resolution seeking to retain the existing number of Lok Sabha seats across the country, including the State.

Referring to the resolution, Vijay said it was adopted against the backdrop of the proposed constitutional amendment relating to delimitation.

Recalling the delimitation exercise carried out in 1967, the Chief Minister said the number of Parliament seats in Tamil Nadu was reduced from 41 to 39.

"Any delimitation based on the post-1971 Census that alters the existing strength would cause lasting injustice to the southern states. These states have effectively implemented population-control programmes, achieved good economic growth and carried out healthcare and public welfare measures," Vijay said.

He said that states that had successfully implemented population-control measures should not be penalised by having their representation in Parliament reduced.

Appealing to the Prime Minister, Vijay urged him to consider the resolution adopted by the Tamil Nadu Assembly and introduce the necessary constitutional amendments to protect the existing representation of the states.

The Chief Minister also emphasised the need to ensure that Tamil Nadu's existing 39 Lok Sabha seats are retained in any future delimitation exercise.