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 Durg Police have registered an FIR following an incident where a vehicle belonging to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) team was obstructed and stoned during a raid at the residence of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel. The raid was part of a money laundering investigation against Baghel’s son, Chaitanya Baghel, in connection with an alleged liquor scam.

The complaint was filed at the Old Bhilai police station on Monday night by the driver of the private vehicle used by the ED team. According to the FIR, around 15-20 protestors stopped the vehicle as it was leaving Baghel’s residence in Bhilai’s Mansarovar Colony around 4:30 pm. Some individuals climbed onto the bonnet of the vehicle, and a stone was hurled, damaging the front windshield.

The ED had conducted raids at Baghel’s residence and 13 other locations in Durg as part of its investigation into the alleged liquor scam. The searches, which lasted approximately eight hours, resulted in the seizure of around ₹30 lakh in cash and several documents, according to sources.

The police have invoked several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including rioting, unlawful assembly, obstructing a public servant, assault or use of criminal force against a public servant, and wrongful restraint. Additionally, charges under the Public Property Destruction Act have been filed against Bhilai resident Sunny Agarwal and 15-20 unidentified individuals.

Bhupesh Baghel, 63, was present at his residence during the raid. He later questioned the timing and motive of the ED’s actions, while the Congress party labeled the raids as a “conspiracy” to divert attention from pressing issues being discussed in Parliament during the reconvened Budget session.

Chaitanya Baghel is expected to be summoned for questioning by the ED at its Raipur office in connection with the case. The alleged liquor scam, which the ED claims took place between 2019 and 2022 during the Congress-led government in Chhattisgarh, reportedly caused a “massive loss” to the state exchequer. The agency alleges that the scam benefited a liquor syndicate, generating over ₹2,100 crore in proceeds of crime.

The incident has sparked a political controversy, with the Congress accusing the central government of using investigative agencies to target opposition leaders. Meanwhile, the ED maintains that its actions are part of a legitimate investigation into financial irregularities.

As the investigation unfolds, the attack on the ED team’s vehicle has added a new dimension to the case, raising concerns about the safety of officials conducting high-profile raids and the potential for political tensions to escalate further.