*Stalin reaches out to Revanth

*This is not Delimitation of constituencies but a conspiracy to limit Southern States by reducing their importance, says CM

The Tamil Nadu CM emphasized that, as per constitutional provisions, delimitation should not be undertaken until after the national census scheduled post-2026

metro india news  I hyderabad

The Southern states are joining hands to wage a united fight against the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre over the contentious issue of constituency delimitation. In a fresh development, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has reached out to Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Thursday, inviting him to a crucial meeting in Chennai on March 22 to strategize against what they term as an attempt to undermine the South’s political significance.

A delegation from the DMK, led by Tamil Nadu Municipal Administration Minister KN Nehru, met CM Revanth Reddy in Delhi and handed over a letter from CM Stalin. The Tamil Nadu CM emphasized that, as per constitutional provisions, delimitation should not be undertaken until after the national census scheduled post-2026.

However, the BJP-led central government has pushed the process forward prematurely, raising concerns among Southern leaders. Stalin had already held an all-party meeting on the matter and formed a Joint Action Committee (JAC), inviting leaders from Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, West Bengal, Odisha, and Punjab to join the movement. He urged the Telangana Congress to appoint a representative to the JAC.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, CM Revanth Reddy said he will consult the party high command and take a call on attending the Chennai meet. Revanth expressed strong opposition to the Centre’s move, labeling it a conspiracy to diminish the political relevance of the Southern states. He accused the BJP of retaliating against the South for its lack of electoral support in the region. He declared that the Congress has resolved to fight the Centre on this issue and assured full cooperation with Tamil Nadu CM Stalin’s efforts.

Revanth Reddy further announced plans to convene an all-party meeting in Telangana, instructing Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and senior leader K Jana Reddy to invite representatives from all political parties, including BJP’s Telangana chief and Union Minister G Kishan Reddy. He stressed that Kishan Reddy, being from Telangana, must stand up for the state’s interests.

Revanth Reddy reiterated that political differences must be set aside to protect the rights of Southern states. He assured full support to Tamil Nadu CM Stalin and emphasized that the upcoming Chennai meeting will formulate a concrete action plan to counter the Centre’s move.

With mounting opposition from the South, the stage is set for a major political confrontation between regional leaders and the BJP-led Union government over the proposed delimitation.