Published Apr 15, 2026 | 1:09 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 15, 2026 | 1:09 PM
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin.
Synopsis: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin called for a black flag protest across the state against the Union government’s move to increase the number of Lok Sabha seats by delimitation. Stalin said that if the Union government moves forward with the proposed delimitation, the voices of Tamilians and South Indians as a whole would be suppressed.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Wednesday, 15 February, called for a black flag protest across the state against the Union government’s move to increase the number of Lok Sabha seats by delimitation.
According to the chief minister, the “unfair” increase in the number of seats will affect the representation of Southern states, especially Tamil Nadu. Stalin has called on all citizens of Tamil Nadu to raise black flags over their homes to protest the Union government’s decision.
“In the name of delimitation, the BJP government is cheating the people of Tamil Nadu. If the people of Tamil Nadu lose their political power, Tamil Nadu will not keep quiet. Every family in the state will come to the streets and protest. No matter who raises good things, the BJP government will not listen to them. They are trying to bring law and order to the people of Tamil Nadu,” Stalin said in a video message.
“The BJP government is trying to bring a legislative amendment to suppress the voice of the people in Tamil Nadu,” he added.
The Union government has proposed increasing the number of Lok Sabha seats to 850 as part of its intention to implement the Women’s Reservation Act from the 2029 Lok Sabha polls, with 815 seats proposed to the states and the remaining 35 for the Union Territories.
Southern leaders fear that fresh delimitation without safeguards could shift political power critically towards more populous northern states.
Also Read: Centre proposes Bill to hike Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 850, bypasses post-2026 delimitation
Stalin said that if the Union government moves forward with the proposed delimitation, the voices of Tamilians and South Indians as a whole would be suppressed.
“They are trying to increase the number of seats for the North, and trying to bring the people of the South into a situation where our voices would become irrelevant. Is this a punishment for the people of the South for controlling the population? Are you trying to take away our political power since we stood for the good and the development of the country? What could be worse than this?” Stalin questioned.
“Prime Minister Modi is trying to make the Tamilians and the people of the South into second-class citizens. It is time for Tamilians to show the Delhi BJP who we are. Every family in Tamil Nadu has to express their opposition to the BJP. Tomorrow, as they are going to amend the law in the Parliament, we are going to raise black flags at all homes in Tamil Nadu, as a symbol of our opposition,” he added.
He said the BJP government is trying to push India into dark times.
“We are going to raise a black flag against the BJP government, which is trying to take India into a dark time. Tamil Nadu is not a priority for them. They are trying to suppress even the voice of the people of Tamil Nadu in the Parliament. We will raise a black flag against the black law. We will raise it in every house and in public places. I am warning you again. There should not be any law against the people. This is the only demand of eight crore Tamilians,” Stalin said.
“Let Tamil Nadu rise and shine to protect the rights of the state. Tamil Nadu will fight. Tamil Nadu will win. Let us win together,” he added.
