DMK To Decide Delimitation Bill Stance Based On Revised Draft, Says R S Bharathi

On Wednesday, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) announced in Chennai that it will decide its stance on the upcoming central delimitation bill based on its revised contents. The party pledged to oppose the legislation if it negatively affects the interests of Tamil Nadu and other southern states. The announcement comes ahead of the Parliament's monsoon session, which is scheduled to begin on July 20.

DMK organizational secretary R S Bharathi stated that the party would review the revised draft of the proposed bill once it is tabled by the BJP-led Union government. He recalled that the DMK had previously opposed the delimitation bill when it was tabled in Parliament in April this year, an event during which DMK President and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin even burnt a copy of the bill before it was eventually defeated.

Bharathi clarified that the DMK's opposition is not automatic. He noted that if the BJP government incorporates the recommendations previously made by the DMK, there would be no need for the party to oppose the bill.

When asked if the DMK has softened its stand on the delimitation issue, Bharathi rejected the notion and asserted that the party remains firm in its fight for state rights. He added that if the changes recommended by the DMK are indeed incorporated into the bill, it would mean that the BJP has softened its own stand instead.

In a related development, Chief Minister M K Stalin held a virtual meeting with DMK Members of Parliament from London. During the meeting, Stalin emphasized that the DMK will continue to stand firmly for state rights.

Stalin instructed the MPs to oppose any new legislation brought by the BJP government at the Centre if it infringes upon state rights or violates the Constitution. He stated that the party will maintain its stand on protecting the federal structure and constitutional principles while forcefully raising issues concerning Tamil Nadu in Parliament.