Transparency, Freeze on Seats

Parties' Key Resolution on Delimitation

DMK-led JAC passes a unanimous 7-point resolution on delimitation.

The resolution demands stakeholder consultation in the process.

JAC calls for an extension of the freeze on Parliamentary constituencies for another 25 years.

Key political leaders from various states attended the meeting in Chennai.

Telangana CM Revanth Reddy and BRS Leader KTR also attended the meeting.

The next JAC meeting on delimitation will be held in Hyderabad.

The DMK-led Joint Action Committee (JAC) convened in Chennai for its first meeting on Friday to discuss the Union government's proposed delimitation exercise. The committee, comprising representatives from multiple political parties, expressed concerns over the lack of transparency in the process and the absence of sufficient consultations with key stakeholders.

Following deliberations, the JAC passed a unanimous 7-point resolution demanding an inclusive and transparent approach. It emphasized that any changes in the delimitation of Parliamentary constituencies should involve discussions with all state governments, political parties, and relevant stakeholders to ensure fairness and democratic representation.

Key Resolutions Passed by the JAC

The 7-point resolution stressed that any delimitation exercise must be carried out transparently, allowing political parties from all states, state governments, and other stakeholders to deliberate and contribute to the process. It also highlighted the legislative intent behind the 42nd, 84th, and 87th Constitutional amendments, which sought to protect states that had effectively implemented population control measures.

The JAC demanded that the freeze on Parliamentary constituencies based on the 1971 Census should be extended by another 25 years, considering that national population stabilization has not yet been achieved. It further asserted that states that successfully implemented population control programs should not be penalized by losing parliamentary representation and urged the Union Government to enact the necessary constitutional amendments to uphold this principle.

To counter any attempts by the Union Government to undertake delimitation against these principles, the resolution called for the formation of a Core Committee comprising Members of Parliament from the participating states. This committee will coordinate parliamentary strategies and submit a joint representation to the Prime Minister during the ongoing session. Additionally, the resolution encouraged political parties to push for state legislative assembly resolutions against delimitation changes and communicate their stance to the Union Government.

The JAC also resolved to launch a coordinated public awareness campaign to inform citizens about past delimitation exercises and the potential consequences of the proposed changes.

Key Leaders in Attendance

The meeting was attended by several prominent leaders, including Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, BRS leader KTR, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Odisha Congress President Bhakta Charan Das, and Biju Janata Dal leader Sanjay Kumar Das Burma. Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik participated virtually, while the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) did not attend the meeting.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, who convened the meeting, announced that the next JAC meeting on delimitation would be held in Hyderabad. image (3)