Chennai, August 1, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday urged political parties across the country, especially those in Tamil Nadu, to unite against the proposed delimitation exercise, alleging that it could weaken the state’s political representation.
Addressing reporters at Mamallapuram near Chennai, Rahul Gandhi accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to use delimitation to reduce Tamil Nadu’s influence in national politics.
He called upon regional and national parties to come together in Parliament to oppose any legislation that could adversely affect the state’s representation.
“The people of Tamil Nadu should not be disenfranchised. Every single Tamil party and every national party should defeat the delimitation bill in Parliament,” Rahul Gandhi said.
The Congress leader alleged that the proposed exercise was aimed at reducing the political voice of Tamil Nadu and other southern states. He claimed that any party supporting such a move would be acting against the interests of the state.
Rahul Gandhi also criticised parties that may support the BJP on the issue, saying they would be weakening Tamil Nadu’s political position.
He said leaders who helped the passage of such legislation would be remembered as the “21st-century Ettappan”, referring to the historical figure associated with betrayal in Tamil folklore.
The Congress has been opposing a population-based delimitation exercise, arguing that it could reduce the relative representation of southern states that implemented population control measures more effectively compared with some northern states.
Rahul Gandhi was in Mamallapuram to attend an interaction and brainstorming session with District Congress Committee presidents. His remarks on delimitation came during the visit, signalling that the party plans to make the issue a major political focus in Tamil Nadu.
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