Siddaramaiah Backs DMK’s Stand On Delimitation, Deputes DK Shivakumar For Chennai Meet

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has extended his support to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and the DMK-led opposition against the proposed Parliamentary delimitation exercise. With a crucial meeting scheduled in Chennai on March 22, Siddaramaiah has deputed Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to represent Karnataka, citing prior commitments preventing his personal attendance.

Siddaramaiah’s Letter To Stalin

In a letter dated March 13, Siddaramaiah acknowledged the significance of the issue, calling it a matter that "raises crucial concerns regarding the autonomy of states' and the federal structure of governance. He stressed the need for southern states to discuss the impact of the proposed changes, which opposition leaders argue could diminish their political representation in favour of states with higher population growth.

"Although I would like to participate in the meeting, due to my prior commitments, I am unable to do so," Siddaramaiah wrote, reaffirming Karnataka’s commitment to the cause. 

Taking to X, Siddaramaiah said, "I have received Tamil Nadu CM Shri @mkstalin's letter regarding crucial issues of state autonomy and constituency delimitation. While I am unable to attend the meeting on March 22 due to prior commitments, I have asked Deputy CM Shri @DKShivakumar to represent Karnataka. We remain committed to protecting federal principles and the rights of states."

I have received Tamil Nadu CM Shri @mkstalin's letter regarding crucial issues of state autonomy and constituency delimitation.

While I am unable to attend the meeting on March 22 due to prior commitments, I have asked Deputy CM Shri @DKShivakumar to represent Karnataka.

We… pic.twitter.com/w8jx1AAjMb

— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) March 13, 2025

 

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DMK’s Efforts To Rally Opposition

The DMK has been actively reaching out to various political leaders across the country, including allies and even members of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), to build a consensus against the delimitation exercise.

Tamil Nadu Forest Minister K. Ponmudy and DMK Rajya Sabha MP Mohammed Abdullah Ismail met Siddaramaiah in Bengaluru to discuss the matter, seeking Karnataka’s support in resisting what they called an "anti-democratic and anti-southern policy" of the Centre.