Tamil Nadu delimitation row: 37 of 57 MPs skip CM Vijay’s all-party meet

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay’s attempt to bring the state’s MPs together over the proposed delimitation exercise faced a setback on Saturday, with 37 of the state’s 57 MPs choosing to stay away from the all-party meeting.

The meeting was convened to discuss the proposed Delimitation Bill 2026 and its possible impact on Tamil Nadu. The issue has raised concerns in southern states over the possible redistribution of Lok Sabha seats based on population.

DMK, AIADMK lead boycott

The boycott was led by the ruling DMK and the main opposition AIADMK. All 30 DMK MPs and four AIADMK MPs stayed away from the meeting.

The PMK, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) and DMDK also joined the boycott, with one MP from each party skipping the session.

Among those attending were MPs from the Congress, VCK, CPI, CPI(M), MDMK and IUML. According to the attendance details, 20 MPs were expected to participate.

The divide has highlighted the lack of a common political position in Tamil Nadu on Vijay’s initiative, despite the state’s long-standing concerns over delimitation.

Cauvery dispute becomes another flashpoint

The DMK has questioned the need for the meeting, arguing that it could divert attention from the Cauvery water-sharing dispute with Karnataka.

DMK MP Kanimozhi said the meeting was unnecessary and alleged that it had been called to divert attention from the Cauvery issue.

The Cauvery dispute has returned to the political spotlight following Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu balancing reservoir project, which Tamil Nadu has opposed. Vijay has backed dialogue between the two states to address the dispute.

The DMK has also pointed out that the Union government has not officially announced that the delimitation bill will be introduced in the current Parliament session. It has argued that without an amended draft of the proposed legislation, there is little new to discuss.

Delimitation debate gains momentum

The meeting comes amid speculation that the Centre could reintroduce the delimitation legislation during the upcoming monsoon session. The Tamil Nadu government has indicated that it could be brought during a special three-day session after Independence Day.

The proposed exercise has become a politically sensitive issue for southern states, which fear that their lower population growth could affect their representation in Parliament.

For Vijay, the low turnout means the effort to present a united Tamil Nadu position on the issue has so far failed to bring the state’s major political parties onto one platform.