New Delhi: Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Friday strongly criticised the BJP over its reported plans to introduce a law on the redrawing of parliamentary constituencies, alleging that any political party or individual supporting such a move would be betraying the interests of Tamil Nadu.
Speaking to the media, Rahul Gandhi claimed that supporting the proposed delimitation exercise would amount to a historic betrayal of the people of the state.
“Anyone who supports the law that the BJP is planning to introduce to redraw parliamentary constituencies is committing the greatest betrayal against Tamil Nadu,” he said.
The Congress leader further asserted that history would remember those backing the proposed legislation as the “Ettappans of the 21st century.” The reference is to Ettappan, a historical figure who is widely regarded in Tamil folklore as a symbol of betrayal.
Rahul Gandhi alleged that any political party or leader extending support to the BJP’s efforts to pass the proposed delimitation law would be acting against the interests of the people of Tamil Nadu.
“Any political party or person who is supporting the BJP in its quest to pass the delimitation bill is betraying the people of Tamil Nadu, and history will remember them as the 21st-century Ettappan,” he said.
The Congress leader’s remarks come amid the continuing political debate over the issue of delimitation, with several southern states expressing concerns that a future redrawing of parliamentary constituencies based on population could reduce their relative representation in the Lok Sabha despite their success in population control.
Note: Rahul Gandhi’s remarks reflect his political views and allegations regarding the proposed delimitation exercise. The Central Government has stated on earlier occasions that any future delimitation process would be undertaken in accordance with the constitutional and legal framework.