DMK defers stand on delimitation bill until introduction

Chennai/New Delhi [India]: The DMK has decided to withhold its position on the proposed Delimitation Bill until it is formally introduced in Parliament, a move that has sparked political speculation over whether the party is softening its earlier opposition to the legislation.

The decision was taken during a virtual meeting chaired by DMK president and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who is currently in London.

The meeting was attended by the party's Members of Parliament, where it was resolved that the DMK would take a final call only after examining the contents of the bill once it is tabled.

A senior DMK MP confirmed that the party leadership had instructed its MPs to refrain from committing to a position until the legislation is introduced.

The development comes amid renewed political discussions over the possibility of the Delimitation Bill being brought back during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament. While the Congress has publicly stated that it will oppose the bill and has been engaging with opposition parties on the issue, the DMK has chosen to keep its options open.

The party's decision has been interpreted by some political observers as a possible softening of its stand. Earlier this year, when the bill was introduced and voted on April 17, the DMK had strongly opposed it, describing it as "anti-South India" and particularly detrimental to Tamil Nadu. The legislation was defeated during that attempt.

With the BJP-led NDA seeking to shore up support for any future attempt to pass the bill, the DMK's 22 Lok Sabha MPs could assume significance. Their backing, or even abstention, could influence the government's prospects if the bill requires a special majority.

Speaking after the party meeting, DMK leaders maintained that the party would "cross the bridge when it comes," reiterating that its stand would depend on the final text of the legislation rather than speculation surrounding it.

On its relationship with the Congress, however, the DMK signalled no change in position. Party leaders indicated that despite Congress' efforts to build a united anti-BJP opposition front, the DMK would continue to evaluate issues independently. They said the party still feels "betrayed" by Congress' decision to align with the TVK, adding that those political differences remain unresolved.

The DMK also underlined that it would decide its position on parliamentary legislation on a case-by-case basis and pointed to recent friction with the Congress over parliamentary seating arrangements as evidence of the strained relationship.

The Congress, meanwhile, remains hopeful that the DMK will ultimately oppose the Delimitation Bill, arguing that the proposed exercise would adversely affect southern states, including Tamil Nadu.

For now, the DMK's decision to delay its stand has kept both the ruling alliance and the opposition guessing, with its eventual position likely to become a key factor if the contentious bill returns to Parliament during the Monsoon Session.

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