Key Points
Stalin urges couples to have children to boost state's representation
Delimitation plan threatens southern states' parliamentary power
Puri rejects population-based MP allocation strategy
TN CM warns about potential representation loss
"It doesn't work like that; those states who produce more kids will benefit more during delimitation. We are not only the world's largest democracy but also the world's most mature governance system," Puri said while interacting with women journalists on the eve of International Women's Day.
Earlier, on March 3, MK Stalin urged the couples of Tamil Nadu to "give birth to a child immediately" to ensure greater representation in Parliament.
This move is a direct response to the Centre's plans for constituency delimitation on a 'pro-rata' basis, which Stalin believes will unfairly limit southern states' representation.
Addressing the marriage ceremony of a party worker's son, Stalin said that MPs count depends on population, adding that now he won't say don't rush to give birth to child.
"Before it is used to say don't give birth to child immediately, no need to rush. But now it is not necessary, we shouldn't say that also..Because it is being said that the number of MPs would be decided based on population. The situation created is more population, more MPs. But we have achieved success by focusing on family planning. Now I won't say don't rush to give birth to child, give birth to child immediately."
Tamil Nadu CM also wrote a letter to other Chief Ministers and former Chief Ministers expressing concern over the Union Government's proposed delimitation exercise.
He warned that the exercise could diminish the influence of states like Tamil Nadu, which have successfully controlled their population, in shaping the nation's future.
