Chennai, April 14: BJP leader K. Annamalai targeted Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Tuesday regarding his comments about the proposed redistricting process. He dismissed Stalin’s warning to the central government as inappropriate, claiming it aims to instill fear among the public.
Annamalai stated that the Modi government is committed to involving all stakeholders in this issue. He rejected Stalin’s concerns as an attempt to create unnecessary anxiety among the people of the state.
These remarks come ahead of a special parliamentary session starting on April 16. During this session, discussions are expected on amendments to the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023’ and a proposed redistricting bill to ensure one-third reservation for women in Parliament.
Previously, Stalin had warned the central government in a video message not to advance the redistricting process in a manner that could adversely affect southern states.
He asserted that if Tamil Nadu’s interests were compromised or if the southern region faced disproportionate outcomes, the state would initiate a massive movement. Questioning the timing of the special session, he noted that it coincides with the assembly elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal on April 23.
The Chief Minister argued that Tamil Nadu and other southern states have implemented population control measures as per central directives and should not face negative consequences as a result. He emphasized that the state would not remain silent if its interests were harmed.
In response to these comments, Annamalai told a news agency, “It is unfortunate that the Chief Minister is trying to sow discord and fear among the people of Tamil Nadu. We all know the kind of language he has used. To say that Tamil Nadu will regress to the 1960s and threaten the Prime Minister is completely inappropriate.”
He further stated that Prime Minister Modi has made significant efforts to unite everyone. The issue of women’s reservation has been stalled since 1996. Many senior leaders from various political parties in the current India alliance have opposed reservation for our mothers and sisters. Since September 2023, Prime Minister Modi has been working to advance this initiative and pass the bill in both houses of Parliament.
Targeting Stalin, Annamalai questioned, “What is the Chief Minister’s problem? We have never stated that this will be based on population growth. We have consistently said that we will move forward together. A year ago, the Home Minister stated in Coimbatore that this would be a proportional increase.”
Referring to Stalin’s video post on social media platform X, the BJP leader remarked, “Any increase we plan will be proportional to ensure no one is harmed. It is very unfortunate that the Chief Minister has acted against the oath he took under the Constitution of India by releasing this video.”
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