Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has assured that the upcoming delimitation exercise in 2026 will lead to an increase in seats across all states, including Tamil Nadu, countering the concerns raised by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.

Speaking to the media, Rajnath Singh stated, “I believe that delimitation should proceed as planned. If MK Stalin has any objections, he is free to raise them. The relevant authorities will deliberate on the matter, and the judiciary will have the final say.”

He further emphasized that both the Legislative Assembly and Lok Sabha seats will see an increase in every state after the delimitation process. Dismissing concerns that the exercise would only benefit North Indian states, Singh said, “Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala will also see an increase in seats. The claim that only North India will benefit is not justified.”

CM Stalin’s objection to delimitation

Rajnath Singh’s response comes after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin voiced strong opposition to the delimitation process, calling it a “blatant assault on federalism.” Stalin had recently written to seven Chief Ministers, urging them to oppose the move.

“We are forming a Joint Action Committee to ensure that our states are not silenced. Let us stand together—not as separate political entities, but as protectors of our people’s future,” Stalin stated in his letter.

Stalin has been a vocal critic of the proposed changes, arguing that southern states should not be penalized for their success in population control and economic development. At a recent public event, he questioned, “We controlled our population, built our economy, and now they want to take our voice away?”

Call for a united stand

At a recent all-party meeting, Stalin urged Tamil Nadu to prepare for a “major struggle” to protect its political representation. He also insisted that the upcoming delimitation should not be based on the 2011 Census, which could potentially impact the number of parliamentary seats allotted to southern states.

The political battle over delimitation continues to gain momentum, with southern states raising concerns over fair representation while the Centre maintains that the process will be balanced and beneficial for all regions.

India said it has successfully brought back 540 Indian nationals who were lured with fake job offers and forced into cybercrime activities in Southeast Asia. Many of these individuals were trafficked into scam centers operating in Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that 283 of the rescued individuals have already been repatriated to India aboard an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft from Mae Sot, Thailand. The remaining 257 are set to return today on a second flight. The victims were initially promised lucrative jobs but were instead coerced into participating in cyberfraud operations, particularly near the Myanmar-Thailand border.

“These individuals were misled and subsequently forced to engage in cybercrime and other fraudulent activities at scam centers located along the Myanmar-Thailand border,” the MEA stated. Reports reveal that many were held captive, subjected to threats of violence, and left with no means of escape.

The rescue operation was made possible with the assistance of the Myanmar military, which played a pivotal role in freeing the trafficked individuals. Indian embassies in Myanmar and Thailand collaborated closely with local authorities to ensure their safe return. Thai officials facilitated their transfer to Mae Sot, from where they were flown back to India.

In light of the increasing number of such cases, the Indian government has reiterated its warning to citizens to exercise caution when considering job offers abroad. “Indian nationals are strongly advised to verify the credentials of foreign employers through Indian missions abroad and to thoroughly check the background of recruiting agents and companies before accepting any job offer,” the MEA cautioned.

The Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge, has emerged as a hub for organized cybercrime networks. Many victims are ensnared in fake call centers that exploit foreign workers, trapping them in exploitative conditions.

As law enforcement agencies ramp up efforts to dismantle these criminal networks, the government continues to emphasize the importance of vigilance among Indian citizens to avoid falling victim to fraudulent job schemes. This rescue operation highlights the ongoing challenges of human trafficking and cybercrime in the region and underscores the need for international cooperation to combat these illicit activities.

The senior leadership team of Athatchi Group handed over its Palakkad Gap Research Report to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The team comprised Raju N Subramanian, Chairman, and Dr Vishwanath N Subramanian, Managing Director.

The Chief Minister showed keen interest in the research findings as they have greater implications on the ecological and economic growth potential to the State of Kerala. He also showed enthusiasm in getting the Geological Heritage Site tag for Palakkad Gap, which will immensely help in promoting the region.

The Research Report is a comprehensive explorative study initiated and fully funded by Athachi Group for a scholarly inquiry into the geological, geomorphological & biodiverse characteristics, and understand the longest low mountain pass in the Western Ghats range better. Athachi Group represnetatives also handed over reports to Kerala Assembly Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan and Kerala Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan.

Athachi Group Chairman Raju Subramanian said, “We believe this research will have a far-reaching impact, offering new perspectives and practical solutions for a sustainable future. The findings have the potential to foster sustainable farm management practices, and unlock new possibilities for agriculture, including the development of innovative farming techniques. This will enable exploration of new export opportunities for agro-produce, and promote the region as a Geo Heritage site with enormous possibilities of eco-tourism. We are proud to present this important work to the Government of Kerala and Tamil Nadu as Palakkad Gap belongs to both States. We hope this will benefit not only the region but also contribute to global efforts in environmental conservation and sustainable development.”

The team of researchers from prestigious institutes of higher studies across Kerala and Tamil Nadu have meticulously conducted extensive fieldwork, analysed existing scholarly research, and collaborated with international experts and labs for specialised testing over the last 24 months, to uncover fascinating insights into the Palakkad Gap.

The meetings also served as a platform for the Group to present its TrustNature, an initiative that marries long-term vision rooted in ancient Indian wisdom and modern eco-friendly technologies, and aims at restoring nature’s regenerative power and address the pressing challenges of climate change. Athachi

Dr Vishwanath N Subramanian said, “Having successfully transformed a 20-acre arid land in Palakkad into a thriving biodiverse agro forest farm by combining ancient Indian wisdom and modern eco-friendly technologies, we evolved the TrustNature initiative. This not only restores Mother Nature’s regenerative power but also preserves and nurtures the biodiverse ecosystem, fosters a harmonious coexistence, helps achieve sustainable farming, and addresses global challenges such as Climate Change.”

Based in Palakkad with business activities spanning India and the Middle-East, Athachi Group combines traditional Indian wisdom and modern technological breakthroughs to create sustainable farming solutions, wellness offerings, farm produce, skincare, and personal care formulations. The group has now launched a Fellowship Program, which will inspire, guide and train university students to take up sustainable farming as a start-up idea, and create a new wave of entrepreneurship.