DMK raking up delimitation issue before 2026 poll, to hide inefficiency: Nirmala

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said the DMK government was taking up the delimitation issue before the 2026 Assembly election to divert attention from its shortcomings.

“It [the DMK government] does not have anything to showcase as achievements,” she told select mediapersons in Chennai.

She alleged that the law and order in Tamil Nadu had deteriorated, and cited incidents such as the Anna University sexual assault case, the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy and the alleged irregularities in Tasmac. She also referred to the alleged links between A. Jaffer Saddiq (expelled DMK functionary) who had been accused in a narcotic drugs smuggling case and the DMK family. “So, the DMK is taking up emotional and appealing issues like alleged Hindi imposition to hide its inefficiencies and corruption,” she alleged.

“I saw posters everywhere seeking a fair delimitation. I also want to see posters stating that Tamil Nadu is a safe place for women,” she said, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had clarified last year that no injustice would be done to any State in view of delimitation. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also issued a clarification on the issue, she said, adding: “For delimitation to happen, the census must be carried out. Then a Delimitation Commission would be set up, which would visit all States and hold discussions. It is a long process. Even before all this happens, the DMK is going around talking against the process…”

Tamil Nadu can express its concerns before the Delimitation Commission, she said. Ms. Sitharaman also noted that population is only one criteria and there are many factors.On the National Education Policy row, she said it had not directly or indirectly mentioned that Hindi was compulsory.

She said signing a memorandum of understanding is a must for the PM SHRI scheme. Ms. Sitharaman also noted that Kerala and Karnataka which attended the delimitation Joint Action committee meeting have signed up for the PM SHRI scheme.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had attended the delimitation meeting, she pointed out and wondered if Tamil Nadu Chief M K Stalin raised the issues of signing the MOU, besides disputes relating to Mullaperiyar and Cauvery water sharing.