Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin on Friday hailed the defeat of the Constitution Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha, calling it a victory for the state.The DMK and its allies have been vocal in opposing the delimitation bill, arguing that it would weaken the voice of southern states.In a post on X, Stalin said, “Tamil Nadu has defeated Delhi! On 23 April, we shall together vanquish Delhi’s arrogance—and the slaves who abet that arrogance!”Separately, Stalin also said, “The bill that came against Tamil Nadu has been defeated in Parliament is the news we got now. This victory is just a trailer. Next coming election is going to come. I’ve said it’s Tamil Nadu vs Delhi. We are going to win in more than 200 seats. Let us work continuously and win,” as quoted by ANI.In another post, Stalin reiterated that Tamil Nadu was not against delimitation but sought a fair and consultative process. “”TN fought. TN won. Delimitation is about representation, about who gets a voice in India’s democracy. It must strengthen the Union, not weaken its balance. Guided by Periyar, inspired by Anna, and strengthened by Kalaignar, Tamil Nadu has always stood for justice, dignity, and federalism,” Stalin said.“We never opposed delimitation. We asked for fairness, for a process that is consulted, thought through, and agreed upon. Not one pushed through for political gain. This is our resolve: every time Tamil Nadu’s rights are challenged, every time its identity or culture is questioned, and every time the federal spirit of India is tested, Tamil Nadu will rise united and unwavering,” he added.The Constitution Amendment Bill, which aimed at implementing Women’s Reservation from the 2029 general elections, failed to pass in the Lok Sabha. For such a bill to be approved, it requires the support of not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting.During the division after the debate, 298 members voted in favour of the bill, while 230 opposed it. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla announced that the bill did not pass as it failed to secure the required two-thirds majority.Following the outcome, Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju stated that the government would not pursue the two other related bills.
