CPI(M) Urges Tamil Nadu to Boycott High-Level Committee on Demographic Changes

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Tuesday urged the Tamil Nadu government to boycott the High-Level Committee on Demographic Changes, arguing that the panel's mandate and composition could undermine the interests of southern states. The call comes amid growing friction between the DMK-led state government and the BJP-led Union government over issues of federalism, representation, and resource allocation.

The committee, constituted by the Union government, is tasked with studying demographic changes and their implications for various sectors. CPI(M) leaders have expressed apprehension that the panel's findings could be used to justify contentious policies such as delimitation, which they fear would reduce the political influence of states like Tamil Nadu that have successfully implemented population control measures. The party has demanded that the state government not participate in what it calls a 'unilateral' exercise.

The development is likely to intensify the North-South divide in Indian politics, with several southern states already voicing concerns over their shrinking share in Parliament and central taxes. If Tamil Nadu heeds the CPI(M)'s call, it could set a precedent for other opposition-ruled states to follow suit, further straining Centre-State relations. The BJP has not yet responded to the boycott demand, but the issue is expected to resonate in the upcoming Parliament session.