DMK Boycotts All-Party Meeting on Delimitation in Tamil Nadu

In response to the all-party meeting called by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay regarding delimitation, the DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan stated that the party chose to boycott the gathering due to the TVK's unclear position on the delimitation process. He questioned, "What is their stance on delimitation? They have not clarified it." During the previous parliamentary session, the DMK had opposed the bill, which ultimately failed. Elangovan also raised concerns about the lack of a defined agenda for the meeting, asking, "What is TVK's opinion on delimitation? What is the agenda for the meeting? They have not communicated anything to us. They should have informed us that they intended to discuss this matter. Without knowing their views on delimitation, how can we participate in the meeting?

Earlier, TVK's State School Education Minister Rajmohan questioned the DMK's absence, asking why party MP and parliamentary leader Kanimozhi decided not to attend the all-party meeting. Rajmohan remarked, "Why did Kanimozhi not participate in the meeting? DMK members had previously burned draft copies. Why are they now retracting?" In response, Elangovan pointed out that TVK is new to power and argued that the DMK's opposition to delimitation had already been made clear by all Tamil Nadu MPs during the last parliamentary session. He noted, "The party has just come to power. Last time, when all Tamil Nadu MPs opposed the delimitation bill, it was well known that we were against it.

Elangovan stated that if TVK clarifies its position, the DMK would reconsider its stance. He added, "If they openly declare that they are against delimitation and stand with Tamil Nadu MPs, they can invite us. How can we attend without knowing their position on delimitation? There should be an agenda for the meeting." DMK MP Kanimozhi also described the all-party meeting called by CM Vijay as a "drama" aimed at diverting public attention from the Cauvery water dispute. She emphasized that there has been no official confirmation from the central government regarding the introduction of the delimitation bill in the current session, nor has a revised draft bill been made available, leaving no substantial matter for discussion.

Out of the state's 57 MPs, only 20 were expected to attend the meeting, primarily involving Congress and smaller allied parties. The DMK had previously opposed the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, which ultimately fell in the Lok Sabha on April 17. While Congress and opposition parties have supported the Women's Reservation Bill, they have opposed the delimitation process aimed at increasing the number of seats in the lower house of Parliament. The opposition has demanded that the Women's Reservation be separated from the delimitation process.