DMK Softens Stand on Delimitation, Says Will Decide Matter on Merit

Chennai: The DMK said on Friday that it will examine the bill on the proposed delimitation when it is tabled in Parliament and take a “reasoned” decision to protect the interests of Tamil Nadu.

Party sources told PTI that once the scope and objectives of the bill are announced, it will be analyzed and a decision will be taken.

DMK’s decision will be independent and based on merit that will protect the interests of the state. Sources said the party had been given the understanding that the proposed delimitation bill would most likely be a standalone piece of legislation and would not be part of a package of linked legislations.

Party sources stated that a 50 percent increase in seats and maintaining the current seat distribution rate among states were among the issues discussed.

The issue of limitation was also among the issues discussed at the party’s parliamentary meeting held on July 16. DMK President MK Stalin, who is in London, addressed the meeting via video conference.

The DMK had strongly opposed the delimitation exercise in its earlier form and a Constitutional Amendment Bill in this regard was rejected in the Parliament in April this year.

After the DMK lost power in Tamil Nadu, its long-time ally the Congress party abandoned the DMK and marched towards the TVK camp.

The grand old party also joined the TVK government. In this context, sources stated that the Dravidian party will decide the issue on its own and will not consult the Congress party.