CM calls all-party meet on delimitation threat

TERMING the impending delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies in 2026 as a major threat to Tamil Nadu as it is expected to reduce the state's representation in the Lok Sabha, Chief Minister MK Stalin on Tuesday called for an all-party meeting on March 5 to chalk out strategies to safeguard the state's interests.

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @Chennai

While mostly political parties with representation in the Assembly had been invited for such all-party meetings in the past, Stalin said that considering the urgency of the issue and the need to put up a united fight, 40 parties that are registered with the Election Commission of India have been invited to the meeting. He appealed to all the parties to rise above political differences and take part in the meeting.

Tamil Nadu was facing the "threat" of losing eight (Lok Sabha) seats as the state has successfully implemented family planning programmes which led to a drop in population, Stalin said while addressing reporters after chairing a cabinet meeting at the secretariat. He said, "In the name of delimitation of parliamentary constituencies, a sword is hanging above the heads of the southern states."