Delimitation bill row: Why are southern states seeing red? P Thiaga Rajan responds

In an exclusive interview with India Today, Tamil Nadu minister Dr P Thiaga Rajan explained why the southern states are protesting the delimitation bill. He strongly criticised the Union government's rushed introduction of a delimitation bill during a two-day special session. The minister warned of severe consequences, announcing a black day protest involving black flags across the state. The minister highlighted major flaws in the bill, including the lack of consultation, absence of delimitation details, and immunity from judicial review. Rejecting a suggested uniform fifty percent increase in parliamentary seats, the minister argued it would disproportionately favour northern regions. Instead, a continued freeze on delimitation for the next twenty-five to thirty years was advocated to prevent a deepening regional divide. The sudden legislative move was described as a breach of trust that could fundamentally alter the nation's unity.