DK Shivakumar announced that the Karnataka Legislative Assembly unanimously rejected delimitation based on the new census. He demanded the 1971 Census remain the basis, rewarding states for population control and sustainable development
Published Mar 22, 2025 | 5:54 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 22, 2025 | 6:06 PM
‘Will fight in Courts, Parliament, on streets to protect our rights’: DK Shivakumar
Synopsis: On 22 March, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin hosted the First Joint Action Meeting on Delimitation, with leaders from five states, including Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. Shivakumar emphasised southern states’ unity in defending their rights, resources, and identity. He criticised the Centre’s unequal tax devolution, highlighting Karnataka’s economic contributions and warning that the delimitation process would further diminish southern states’ political voice
On 22 March, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin hosted the First Joint Action Meeting on Delimitation, attended by leaders from five states, including Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
Shivakumar emphasised that states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, along with other progressive states, would not back down. “We will fight in courts, Parliament, and on the streets to protect our rights and resources. Let’s channel the defiance of Periyar, the statesmanship of Annadurai, and the fire of Basavanna. When Karnataka and Tamil Nadu unite, no power can break us. When Kerala and Punjab raise their voices, the Himalayas will tremble,” he stated.
He threw light on some facts including the percentage of contribution of GST by southern states and the tax devolution provided by the centre. “Karnataka contributes over ₹4 lakh crore annually to the Centre’s Gross Tax Revenue. Yet, what do we get in return? A mere ₹45,000 crore in tax devolution and ₹15,000 crore in grants. For every rupee Karnataka contributes, only 13 paise comes back to us. This is not just an economic injustice; it is a systemic plunder of our resources.”
Addressing the leaders of other southern states and media, he said, “Karnataka, with just 5 percent of India’s population, contributes 8.4 percent to the national GDP. We are the highest GST contributors in the country. Southern states, contributing 35 percent of India’s GDP, are treated as ATM machines for the North. Yet, our share in central funds is disproportionately low. The 15th Finance Commission’s population-based formula has already cost us dearly. If the delimitation exercise proceeds as planned, our political voice will be further diminished, and our ability to advocate for our rights in Parliament will be crippled.”
Shivakumar emphasised that this fight was not just about numbers, but about identity, culture and heritage. “Karnataka takes pride in its 1,500-year-old literary tradition, from the Vachanas of Basavanna to the works of Kuvempu. Tamil Nadu’s Sangam poetry, Kerala’s classical art forms, and Andhra’s Telugu heritage are not just regional treasures—they are the soul of India. Yet, the Centre’s relentless push for “One Nation, One Language” seeks to erase this diversity. From railway signboards to competitive exams, the imposition of Hindi undermines our linguistic and cultural sovereignty. Let me be clear: Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and other regional languages are not mere dialects; they are the lifeblood of our civilisations.”
DK Shivakumar criticised the proposed delimitation exercise which he stated is based solely on population. He said, “It is not just a technical adjustment; it is a political assault on the southern states. It seeks to punish us for our success in controlling population growth, improving literacy, and empowering women. Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and other southern states have contributed immensely to India’s growth. We have prioritised education, healthcare, and sustainable development. Yet, the Centre now plans to reduce our parliamentary representation, effectively silencing our voices in the national discourse. This is not just unfair—it is a betrayal of the constitutional promise that development and good governance should be rewarded, not penalised.”
He said, “The delimitation exercise is not just about parliamentary seats; it is about the future of federalism in India. If the Centre proceeds with this unjust formula, it will alter the federal balance, giving disproportionate power to states that have failed to control population growth. This will not only marginalise the southern states but also undermine the principles of cooperative federalism enshrined in our Constitution.”
DK Shivakumar said that the Karnataka Legislative Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution rejecting any delimitation exercise based on the new census. “We demand that the 1971 Census remain the basis for delimitation, as it rewards states for their efforts in population control and sustainable development,” he added.
Shivakumar said that the centre needs to work on the principle of a weighted formula that considers human development indices, tax contributions, and population control. Representation must reflect governance quality, not just population. He asked to implement a floor limit on parliamentary seats for states that have effectively controlled their population so that it will ensure that their voices are not marginalised.
He went on to say that there needs to be a bicameral balance. “The centre needs to strengthen the Rajya Sabha as a counterbalance to the Lok Sabha. Empower it with greater legislative authority and a structured role in economic decision-making to ensure that developed states are not sidelined.”
Shivakumar said that there needs to be a new fiscal federalism pact that ensures fair tax devolution and resource sharing. The 16th Finance Commission must prioritise equity, efficiency, and performance. Introduce economic and social indicators in resource allocation. He said Central fund allocations should factor in economic performance, fiscal discipline, and governance quality. Establish a National Language Rights Commission to enforce the equality of all scheduled languages. Pass state resolutions mandating the use of regional languages in Central institutions, including banks, railways, and competitive exams. He also asked to strengthen the JAC as a permanent coalition to coordinate legal, legislative, and grassroots advocacy.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
