CM Vijay Moves Resolution Against Delimitation, Freezing Lok Sabha Seats at 543; DMK Backs Move, AIADMK Calls It Political

Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay moved a resolution in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on August 12 opposing the Union government's proposed delimitation exercise, seeking to permanently freeze the total number of Lok Sabha seats at 543.

The resolution called for retaining the current inter-state allocation of Lok Sabha seats in proportion to existing representation, maintaining the 2.2:1 ratio between population and states, and implementing 33% reservation for women in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections based on the existing 543 constituencies. "The 33% reservation for women should be implemented in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections itself, based on the existing 543 constituencies. It should not be delayed any further," Vijay said.

The Assembly passed the resolution, with Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin extending the DMK's support to the TVK government's move.

DMK spokesperson T.K.S. Elangovan separately said the resolution mirrored his party's own long-standing position, remarking, "What we said, he is following," and noting that during the previous delimitation exercise, seats had been pegged to states' existing numbers to protect Tamil Nadu's 39 Lok Sabha seats.

On August 13, AIADMK legislative party leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami accused the TVK government of bringing the resolution for political reasons and to create a "sensation," arguing there was no indication that a Delimitation Bill was likely to be introduced in Parliament.