DMK to study Bill on delimitation, decide matter on 'merit'

Chennai, Jul 17 (PTI) The DMK on Friday said it will study the Bill on proposed delimitation, as and when it is tabled in Parliament, and take a decision based on "merits" to protect Tamil Nadu's interests. As and when the scope and objectives of the Bill is made known, it shall be analysed and a decision will be taken, party sources told PTI. The DMK's decision would be independent and based on merit to protect the interests of the state. The party has been given to understand that the proposed Bill on delimitation is likely to be a standalone legislation and not part of an overall bundle of connected legislations, sources said. A 50 per cent seat increase and retaining the existing proportion of seat distribution among states were among the points being discussed, sources in the party added. Delimitation was among the matters taken up for discussion in the party's meeting of MPs held on July 16. DMK president MK Stalin, who is in London, addressed the meeting via video conferencing. The DMK had staunchly opposed the delimitation exercise in its previous form, and a Constitution Amendment Bill in this connection was defeated in the Parliament in April this year. After the DMK lost power in Tamil Nadu, its long-time ally, the Congress party, walked over to the TVK camp, deserting the DMK. The grand old party has also joined the TVK government. Against this backgroud, sources indicated that the Dravidian party will decide the matter on its own and shall not consult the Congress party. PTI VGN VGN KH