After TN, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Slams Delimitation, Says Govt Adopting 'Undemocratic Methodology'
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann alleges that BJP's delimitation exercise aims to eliminate political opponents. He claims that states where the BJP is weak will face seat reductions.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday alleged that the BJP-led central government was attempting to eliminate its political opponents through the "faulty execution" of the proposed delimitation exercise. He asserted that all like-minded parties would unite against this move, which he described as an attempt to "muzzle democracy."
Mann's remarks come amid a growing controversy over the delimitation exercise, with an all-party meeting in Tamil Nadu opposing the population-based restructuring of parliamentary constituencies. Responding to a query on the issue, the Punjab chief minister claimed that the "undemocratic methodology" adopted by the Centre raises doubts about the BJP's intentions, news agency PTI reported.
"Tactically, the (parliamentary) seats of states where the BJP and its allies are weak are being reduced, whereas the seats in those states where BJP's divisive agenda is blooming are being enhanced," Mann alleged.
He further stated that his party, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), had already discussed the matter with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin. "Their two ministers are coming to meet us. We are trying to find out how many seats they (BJP-led Centre) want to increase and in which areas. We have deputed our officers on this, and we will come to know how many seats will increase or decrease in Punjab," Mann told reporters on the sidelines of an event where he flagged off a batch of 72 teachers for a visit to Finland.
Notably, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin had earlier proposed that the 1971 Census be used as the basis for delimitation for the next 30 years, starting in 2026.
'Sword Of Delimitation Also Hanging Over Northern States': Punjab Congress's Partap Singh Bajwa
Meanwhile, Punjab Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa also voiced concerns over the upcoming delimitation exercise. A few days ago, he urged leaders of all political parties in Punjab to come together and discuss the implications of the process.
"It is not only the southern states that would face severe consequences, but the sword of delimitation is also hanging over the northern states. Since we belong to Punjab, the leaders of all the political parties of Punjab should come to a single platform to figure out what we could do about it," Bajwa had said.
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