DMK Leads Southern Resistance on Delimitation as INDIA Bloc Adopts Cautious Approach

As DMK chief and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin takes the forefront in voicing concerns over delimitation, other INDIA bloc allies remain watchful. While Congress, the de facto leader of the opposition alliance, has yet to take an official stand, its chief ministers in Karnataka and Telangana have openly expressed their apprehensions.

With Congress holding power in only three states—two of them in the South—the party is balancing its efforts to retain its Southern base while reviving itself in the Hindi heartland. This delicate position has led the party to let Siddaramaiah and Revanth Reddy articulate the South’s fears, as a direct stand could risk alienating Northern voters.

The crux of the Southern states’ concern is that delimitation, based on a fresh Census, could significantly reduce their parliamentary representation in favor of the North. However, Congress leaders from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan believe the party need not take a stance now, as the exercise will only begin post-census. “Let’s first see the fine print of the Bill. Why take a stand now?” a senior Congress leader remarked.

Other INDIA bloc parties are also treading carefully. The RJD opposes the indefinite postponement of delimitation but believes population should not be the sole factor. The SP has yet to take a position, while the TMC remains silent, suggesting Stalin’s stance may be politically motivated ahead of Tamil Nadu’s Assembly elections next year.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured that no Southern state will lose seats under delimitation, fueling renewed debate. Stalin, however, demanded a constitutional amendment to extend the 1971 population-based seat allocation for another 30 years, warning of disproportionate gains for Northern states if delimitation proceeds unchecked.

With Congress weighing its electoral interests and other Indian allies cautious, the opposition’s collective response to delimitation remains uncertain.