Delimitation uproar shuts down Parliament
Protests over delimitation disrupted Parliament on Thursday. DMK lawmakers wore T-shirts with slogans opposing the exercise, triggering multiple adjournments. Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla strongly objected.
DMK MPs also protested outside Parliament. They argued that delimitation based on population would reduce Lok Sabha seats in southern states. In the Rajya Sabha, Dhankhar called a meeting with floor leaders to discuss the matter. He reminded lawmakers about past rulings on parliamentary decorum. Some MPs countered that ruling party members also wore stoles with messages, which remained allowed.
DMK members in the House wore T-shirts reading, “Delimitation — Tamil Nadu will fight, Tamil Nadu will win.” Others wore stoles mocking Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s remark on their protest against the three-language formula in the National Education Policy (NEP). With no resolution, the Rajya Sabha adjourned for the day.
In the Lok Sabha, Speaker Om Birla objected to DMK MPs’ attire, calling it unacceptable and against parliamentary rules. He cited Rule 349, which prohibits displays of flags, emblems, or exhibits in the House. It also bars badges except for the national flag. Birla asked DMK MPs to leave and return in appropriate dress. Despite this, disruptions continued, forcing the Lower House to adjourn for the day.
Outside Parliament, DMK MP K Kanimozhi reiterated concerns raised by Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin. She demanded clarity from the central government, accusing it of creating confusion instead.
