TNCC President Accuses Centre of Using Delimitation to 'Punish' Tamil Nadu
Coimbatore witnessed a fiery political address on Thursday as Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) chief Selvaperunthagai launched a scathing attack on the Central government's proposed delimitation exercise. He alleged that this move is a deliberate attempt to "punish" Tamil Nadu for its successful population control measures, rather than rewarding the state for its achievements.
Campaign Rally in Coimbatore's Karumbukadai–Saramedu Area
While campaigning in the Karumbukadai–Saramedu locality to bolster support for Congress candidate Srinidhi, who is contesting from the Singanallur constituency under the Secular Progressive Alliance, Selvaperunthagai did not mince words. He directly accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami of working against the interests of Tamil Nadu, framing the upcoming delimitation as a critical threat to the state's political representation and rights.
"While Stalin gives, Modi and Palaniswami take away," he declared, drawing a sharp contrast between the welfare initiatives of the Tamil Nadu government and what he described as the Central government's obstructive actions. He specifically pointed to attempts to legally block key state schemes, including the ₹3,000 Pongal gift and various financial assistance programs for women.
Highlighting State Welfare vs. Central 'Penalization'
Emphasizing the Tamil Nadu government's commitment to social welfare, Selvaperunthagai detailed how women in the state benefit from substantial support. This includes a monthly entitlement of ₹2,000 along with additional assistance through various government programs. He argued that these efforts demonstrate the state's proactive approach to citizen welfare, which stands in stark opposition to the Centre's alleged punitive measures.
Raising the delimitation issue to the forefront, the TNCC chief stated, "Tamil Nadu is among the leading states in population control, but instead of being rewarded, it is being penalised." He elaborated that the proposed delimitation, which could reduce the state's parliamentary seats based on population metrics, unfairly targets Tamil Nadu for its effective family planning and population management policies.
Allegations of Rights Curtailment and Protest Actions
Selvaperunthagai further criticized the Centre, alleging a broader pattern of trying to curtail the rights of Tamil Nadu. He mentioned that black flags were raised as a mark of protest against these perceived injustices, symbolizing the growing discontent among the state's residents. The TNCC leader urged voters to rally behind the Congress party, positioning it as the essential defender of Tamil Nadu's rights and interests in the face of Central overreach.
In his concluding remarks, he reinforced the call for electoral support, warning that failure to back the Congress could lead to further erosion of the state's autonomy and benefits. The campaign event underscored the escalating political tensions in Tamil Nadu as parties gear up for upcoming elections, with delimitation emerging as a pivotal issue in the discourse.
