The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, C Joseph Vijay, has introduced a resolution in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly aimed at opposing the Union Government’s intended delimitation exercise. This move follows prior resolutions against the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill.

In his address to the assembly, CM Vijay asserted the importance of implementing a 33 per cent reservation for women in the upcoming 2029 Lok Sabha elections. He emphasised that this reservation should be based on the existing 543 constituencies, underlining the need for immediate action on the matter. According to him, women voters in Tamil Nadu surpass their male counterparts, thus making this reservation a crucial step towards social justice rather than a mere concession.

The resolution seeks to secure the political representation of southern states, particularly Tamil Nadu, arguing that successful population control measures should not disadvantage their representation in Parliament. CM Vijay highlighted that many states, including Tamil Nadu, have not undergone a population count for over five decades, with the next census not scheduled until 2026. He mentioned that delimitation has not occurred for 50 years, thus reinforcing the need for a review based on more recent demographic data.

Demands for Legislative Changes and Protection of Interests

The resolution outlines four key demands from the Tamil Nadu government directed at the Union Government. First, it calls for the preservation of the total number of Lok Sabha members at the current figure of 543. Second, it seeks to freeze the inter-state allocation of seats in the Lok Sabha based on the current proportional representation. Third, the resolution insists that the existing population-to-state ratio of 2.2:1 should be maintained. Lastly, it reiterates the demand for the implementation of 33 per cent reservation for women in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

Furthermore, the resolution stresses the Union Government’s obligation to protect the interests of southern states. CM Vijay’s office stated that these states have effectively managed population control and developed substantial infrastructure and welfare schemes for their residents. The resolution concludes with a call for the Union Government to ensure that the interests of these states are not adversely affected by the delimitation process.

In relation to the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, which was introduced in the Lok Sabha on April 16, CM Vijay pointed out that this bill aims to increase the Lok Sabha’s strength to 850 seats and expedite the Women’s Reservation Bill, which was passed in 2023. However, the bill failed to secure the necessary two-thirds majority for passage in Parliament, preventing its implementation.

Opposition Stance on Delimitation and Women’s Reservation

The response from opposition parties, including the Congress, has been supportive of the Women’s Reservation Bill but critical of the delimitation exercise. They advocate for separating the women’s reservation from the proposed delimitation process, asserting that such a link could undermine the intended benefits of increased women’s representation. This sentiment reflects a broader concern regarding how adjustments in constituency boundaries and seat allocations may impact fair representation in the Lower House of Parliament.

As discussions surrounding the resolution continue, it remains to be seen how the Union Government will respond to the demands put forth by the Tamil Nadu assembly. The resolution signifies a significant push by the state government to protect its interests and ensure equitable representation for its constituents, particularly in regard to women’s representation in politics.

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