THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, March 22: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren will participate in a crucial meeting called by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin in Chennai on March 22. The meeting aims to devise a collective strategy against the Centre’s proposed delimitation exercise, which has sparked strong opposition from several regional parties.
JMM’s Strong Opposition: A Threat to Jharkhand’s Tribals and Minorities
The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has launched a scathing attack on the BJP, alleging that the delimitation exercise is a deliberate attempt to weaken the political representation of tribals, natives, and minorities.
JMM central general secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya argued that the proposal would disproportionately affect states like Jharkhand, where Scheduled Tribes (ST), Moolwasis and minorities form a significant portion of the population. He pointed out that the proposed seat redistribution would shift parliamentary representation towards states with higher population growth, primarily in northern India, reducing Jharkhand’s influence in the Lok Sabha.
“In the past, the 2008 delimitation movement successfully prevented changes that would have reduced tribal representation in Jharkhand and the Northeast,” he added.
Bhattacharya also warned that the delimitation plan could marginalize indigenous communities, contradicting the constitutional provisions that protect tribal rights.
He pointed out that the number of Lok Sabha seats will increase to 24 from 14 in Jharkhand but the number of seats reserved for tribals will remain static at five.
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Stalin’s Call for Unity
Stalin has reached out to chief ministers of southern states, as well as those of West Bengal, Odisha, and Punjab, urging them to form a Joint Action Committee (JAC) to counter the Centre’s proposal.
In his letter, Stalin made two key requests:
- Formal consent from the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, West Bengal, Odisha, and Punjab to oppose the delimitation plan.
- Nomination of a senior party representative from each state to serve on the JAC and coordinate a unified political strategy.
Delimitation and Federalism: A Political Flashpoint
Stalin has called delimitation a direct attack on federalism, arguing that it disproportionately benefits northern states at the cost of the south, the east, and the tribal heartlands.
He also challenged Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s use of the term “pro-rata basis” to justify the seat redistribution, calling it “empty rhetoric” and questioning its implications for states like Tamil Nadu and Jharkhand.
With growing opposition from regional parties, the March 22 meeting in Chennai is expected to be a turning point in the nationwide debate over delimitation.
