Tamil Nadu CM Stalin urges parties to set aside political differences and attend the March 5 meeting on delimitation

Tamil Nadu Chief Ministers M.K. Stalin urges unity among all political parties over the issue of delimitation

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Monday appealed to parties that have decided not to attend the all-party meeting on the proposed delimitation to set aside political differences and reconsider their decision.

At a function held at the Nagapattinam Collectorate for the inauguration of development projects and the distribution of welfare assistance, he said, “The delimitation would reduce our [Tamil Nadu’s] representation [in Parliament] and stifle our voice. That is why, we have started raising our voice against it now. An all-party meeting has been called for March 5 to express Tamil Nadu’s feelings unanimously.“

Invitations have been sent out to all registered parties. Many have agreed to attend the meeting, while a few have said they will not. “I stand before the people now to invite you all again to attend the meeting. Please set aside political differences. This is about Tamil Nadu’s rights. Do not pawn the interests of our future generations for selfish reasons. Reconsider your decision with conscience, make the right choice, and attend the all-party meeting. Let us build a Tamil Nadu where everyone prospers with joy. Let us make Tamil Nadu India’s most developed State,” Mr. Stalin said.

Tamil Nadu’s development, Mr. Stalin added, was bothering the Union government. He said the Centre knew that the development was driven by the State’s two-language policy. “Tamil Nadu’s growth and legacy are troubling some people. Across the world, Tamils hold high positions in big companies. The reason is that they learnt English. Had they learnt Hindi, would we have reached this height? It would have been impossible. Our mother tongue is Tamil. To communicate with the world, we use English. To progress in life, social sciences, mathematics, technology, and science are enough. This is the basis of our success. Hindi imposition is aimed only at upholding the social hegemony of a particular section. We are receiving voices of solidarity even from some north Indian States. Tamil Nadu recognised this conspiracy years ago,” the Chief Minister said.

Referring to the repeated attacks on Tamil Nadu fishermen, he accused the Narendra Modi government of neglecting the issue. “From 2014, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office, until now, the Sri Lankan Navy has arrested 3,656 Tamil Nadu fishermen and seized 611 motorised boats. Even a report from the Union Minister of State had said Tamil Nadu fishermen were attacked 736 times till November 22 last year. Since 2010, the talks that used to take place between the fishermen of both countries have not been held. The decisions made in the 2014 India-Sri Lanka Ministerial Meeting are being violated.”

Criticising Mr. Modi for allegedly failing to find a solution to the issue, Mr. Stalin said, “First, Tamil Nadu fishermen should be recognised as Indian fishermen by the Union government. Mr. Modi must intervene and resolve the issue. The Sri Lankan Navy attacking Indian fishermen cannot continue indefinitely. This must be stopped. To uphold the rights of our fishermen, firm action must be taken.”

“The Sri Lankan government must repeal its 2018 Act that imposes harsh punishments and fines. Steps must be taken to release the arrested fishermen and the seized boats. Legal aid should be provided to the fishermen, and imposition of unreasonable fines must be stopped. To allow fishing in Katchatheevu, a new agreement should be made with the Sri Lankan government.”