Mann Accuses BJP-Led Government of Seat Reduction Strategy

by The_unmuteenglish

Chandigarh, March 15 — Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday alleged that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government is attempting to reduce parliamentary seats in states where it struggles to win elections.

“Now, they want to reduce the number of seats in Tamil Nadu because their population is low, which means they are going against population control,” Mann told reporters, referring to the proposed delimitation exercise. “They want to reduce the number of seats in areas where they do not win.”

Mann confirmed that two Tamil Nadu ministers would meet him to discuss the issue ahead of a joint action committee (JAC) meeting called by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin. The meeting, scheduled for March 22 in Chennai, will bring together chief ministers and political leaders opposed to the proposed changes.

The Stalin-led Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government has been vocal against the central government’s policies, particularly its three-language formula under the National Education Policy and the planned delimitation. Stalin has urged political parties to unite against what he described as a “blatant assault on federalism.”

DMK MP Kanimozhi, speaking to ANI, said the party has received “very positive feedback” from leaders nationwide. She claimed that population-based delimitation would impact several states, including those in the South and Northeast. “Chief ministers and leaders are happy that Stalin has taken this initiative,” she said.

The delimitation process, which is expected to reshape parliamentary representation based on population data, has raised concerns among opposition leaders, who argue it disproportionately affects regions with lower population growth.

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