Chief minister M K Stalin explains the rationale for his govt‘s opposition to delimitation and the three-language policy in written replies to TOI’s questions. The DMK chief also speaks about the role of the governor and Centre-state relations. Excerpts:
Why do you oppose delimitation?
A small correction. The DMK is not opposing delimitation as such. What we strongly oppose is delimitation based on the upcoming population census. Population control was introduced in India 50 years ago for the sake of the nation’s economy, welfare of people and development. Since Tamil Nadu was keen on national welfare, we effectively implemented the family planning programme, along with other southern states. Is it fair to punish states such as TN that successfully implemented a national population control policy by reducing the parliamentary constituencies based on the same population metrics? It is this yardstick that we oppose.
Do you have the numbers in Parliament to stall the delimitation bill?
It was DMK with just two MPs that secured a promise from India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru that English would continue as an associate official language as long as the people of non-Hindi-speaking states desired it. DMK founder Perarignar Anna (C N Annadurai) was the lone MP in Rajya Sabha when he raised his voice for languages and rights of all states. Back then, there was a govt [at the Centre] that followed mature democratic principles. Today, we are forced to fight perpetually to get justice. We are hopeful that all states likely to be affected by population-based delimitation will stay united in Parliament. We also trust that MPs from parties belonging to states that are not directly affected by the delimitation exercise will support our cause after recognising that reducing representation of any state in Parliament is a challenge to the right of states to political representation.
Delimitation is a constitutional mandate. How can you legally stall it?
We are not stalling it. We are merely requesting a postponement of the exercise based on reasonable grounds. All we are asking is to postpone it once more, just like the way it was deferred twice through constitutional amendments, and carry out a fair delimitation. We are only insisting that states such as TN, which contributed to country’s development by controlling population, should not be penalised.
You took the lead to bring together states to strengthen your battle. Are you satisfied with their response?
A joint action committee meeting was held in Chennai on March 22 with the participation of three chief ministers, two deputy CMs, a former chief minister and representatives from eight states culminating in a resolution. This is our first step towards victory. The fight will continue.
When will TN MPs meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi? Do you expect a positive response from the PM?
We have written a letter to the PM requesting an appointment. He himself has served as a chief minister and would certainly be aware of the importance of representation of states. So, we are looking forward to his response with hope.
The opposition accuses you of raising the delimitation issue to divert attention from other problems and issues the state is facing. Your response?
Only those who are unable to give a reasonable response to DMK’s voice for state’s rights are diverting the issue. Tamil Nadu has progressed on various indicators, even by the data and reports released by Union govt. The Dravidian model govt’s welfare schemes have touched the lives of every family. DMK enjoys strong public support. Hence, we do not need to divert attention. The idea of delimitation based on the 1971 population has already been discussed at the national level. We want it to continue for another 25 years.
Modi govt says no decision has been taken yet and that the final call will be with the delimitation commission. Your response?
Why hasn’t the PM announced this in Parliament or to the people of the country? Even after DMK and our coordination committee sought a clarification from the PM, why hasn’t he given an assurance that states that successfully implemented population control measures will not be affected? There are numerous examples to show that BJP govt’s words and actions are completely contradictory. For instance, the Waqf Amendment Act was passed disregarding arguments made by members of the parliamentary joint committee, particularly those placed by members of DMK and Muslim community. The bill was passed in Parliament the way the BJP wanted it. Since the BJP govt functions in an unjust manner, its ambiguous explanation on delimitation remains unacceptable.
The three-language policy is another issue of contention between TN and Centre. Do you really fear Hindi imposition?
We have presented with evidence, the adverse effects of linguistic hegemony of Hindi and how many in North India itself have lost their mother tongue and regional dialects due to Hindi imposition in the past 50 years. When Perarignar Anna came to power, he implemented the two-language policy. This policy remains the foundation for TN’s progress and protection of the Tamil language and culture. The reason for TN’s strident opposition to three-language policy is because it is a covert design by the BJP govt to ruin TN’s growth.
What do you say to BJP’s allegations that you are pursuing divisive and hate politics?
How can raising our voice to protect the federal principles enshrined in the Constitution and striving to promote languages such as Tamil, listed in the schedule of Constitution, be divisive politics? The communal and racial riots instigated by BJP, which practises hatred as its political philosophy, remain blots on the pages of Indian history. Even today, the blood spilled during the riots has not dried in Manipur. Accusing TN and DMK, which has always stood by the country and made generous financial contributions during conflicts, is like lying on one’s back and spitting in the air.
Your comments on BJP-AIADMK tie-up?
This is the same alliance that was defeated by the DMK alliance — not once, but twice. Even though the two parties appeared to have parted ways during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, I had pointed out that they were still in a secret alliance. Recent events have exposed that. For the third time, people of Tamil Nadu will defeat the BJP, which has deceived the state, and the AIADMK, which has allied with them and betrayed the state.
What do you say to opposition parties’ allegations against your govt of corruption and worsening law and order situation?
The Dravidian model govt is functioning as a model for good governance by successfully implementing several flagship schemes. The people are praising us. The administration, which was in a state of ruin during the 10-year AIADMK rule, has been restored. TN police force is effectively maintaining law and order and public peace. TN has emerged as a forerunner, a pioneer in attracting industrial investments, job creation and equitable growth.
Unable to digest these achievements and unable to point fingers at govt, the opposition parties are coming up with imaginary complaints and are resorting to baseless propaganda.
Your comment on your allies too, specifically VCK, CPI and CPM, being critical on certain aspects of governance, especially on liquor policy in TN?
This govt has undertaken several initiatives with the cooperation of alliance parties, by listening to suggestions as well as constructive criticism. I have always respected constructive criticism of our alliance partners.
Your govt admits the outstanding borrowing as on March 31, 2026, will be Rs 9.29 lakh crore. How are you going to recover it?
The previous AIADMK govt sank TN in debt and left the treasury empty. Through efficient financial management, Tamil Nadu is now within the prescribed debt limit. We have transformed the situation after MoUs were signed for Rs 10 lakh crore worth investments. TN has become first port of call for investors. We are surging ahead with a target of 1 trillion US dollars. We are borrowing with responsibility and investing for state’s progress.
There appears to be a sudden spurt in use of narcotic substances among youngsters in TN. Your response?
It would be wrong to narrow down an issue that is a cause for concern across the country as a problem for Tamil Nadu alone. During the AIADMK rule, they failed to control drug trafficking. After the DMK govt assumed office, bank accounts of drug traffickers were frozen, shops were sealed and convictions with maximum imprisonment were obtained. Tamil Nadu is aware of the extent of ganja and gutka peddling during previous regime and the role of ministers and police officers in it. Media reports have said that narcotic substances are being sneaked into the country through ports in western India and smuggled to all states. The responsibility of guarding the country’s entry points is with Union govt.
The Supreme Court has taken a stern view about Senthil Balaji continuing as minister. Was the govt move right?
It would not be appropriate to respond to the question since the case is under trial in Supreme Court.
In January, you offered a $1m prize for deciphering inscriptions found at Indus Valley Civilisation sites. Is this an extension of the Dravidian-Aryan fight?
The theory that the 3,000-year-old Indus valley civilization could be linked to Dravidian civilization was proposed by Sir John Marshall, who was the director of the Archaeological Survey of India during British rule. The one-million-dollar reward for deciphering Indus valley inscriptions was announced on the centenary year of his research findings. This is not an extension of the Aryan-Dravidian conflict. Rather, it’s an effort to scientifically and academically establish Dravidian civilization as the culture of our land, which predated Aryans. I am eagerly awaiting successful findings.
How will you assess your son Udhayanidhi’s performance as deputy chief minister?
The deputy chief minister assists me. At the same time, he serves as a deputy of the people of Tamil Nadu and implements programmes.
Your reaction to the landmark Supreme Court judgment against Governor R N Ravi.
Through this ruling, the Supreme Court has clarified that the authority of the legislature cannot be crippled. In a democracy, it is the govt elected by people that holds the power to legislate. The position of governor, which is an appointed post, is only an honorary one. The SC has also validated the DMK’s stand that the power of a governor is only that of a postman between state and Union govts.
Will you still maintain that Governor Ravi should continue in TN?
He is serving in TN even after completing his tenure. As far as we are concerned, the governor, who is acting against Tamil language, Tamil Thai Vaazhthu and the name `Tamil Nadu’, presents himself as a staunch BJP man. Since all his actions are despised by the people, he will indirectly help DMK, by continuing BJP’s anti-people activities, as long as he remains in office.
You described President withholding anti-Neet bill as an authoritarian act and a black chapter in the history of cooperative federalism. But wasn’t DMK part of UPA govt when Neet was implemented?
When the Indian Medical Council recommended Neet during the UPA govt, then chief minister Kalaignar opposed it and challenged it in court. The UPA govt too turned down the recommendation of IMC. It remained as a discretionary right of states. The DMK’s legal challenge resulted in a favourable verdict as the Supreme Court delivered a ruling declaring Neet as invalid during UPA regime itself. As long as DMK was in power in TN, Neet exam was not conducted in Tamil Nadu. Neet was not conducted even during the time of late CM J Jayalalithaa. It was only during BJP govt that Supreme Court’s earlier verdict on Neet was reversed. AIADMK leaders who wanted to stick to power, thrust Neet on TN, as per the BJP’s wish.
There are some whispers that PMK may swing to your side and VCK to AIADMK side and hence the fallout between senior and junior Ramadoss. Is this true?
You yourself called them whispers. Dismiss them. The DMK front is strong. Our allies are also firm.