M K Stalin, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and president of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party, has declared a state-wide black flag protest on April 16 against the proposed delimitation exercise by the Indian government. Following an emergency meeting with party MPs and district secretaries, he expressed that the Centre's actions represent a significant injustice to Tamil Nadu and southern states. Stalin criticized the Union government's plans, suggesting they are a punishment for the contributions of southern states to India's progress. He warned that if the government does not heed Tamil Nadu's concerns, it will face severe repercussions. The DMK is actively reaching out to other parties across India to form a united front against this perceived threat to state rights. Stalin's call for protest aims to mobilize public sentiment against what he describes as an attack on federalism and the rights of the southern states. He has previously indicated that the DMK may resort to significant agitation if the delimitation exercise disproportionately favors northern states, reminiscent of the party's historical activism in the 1950s and 1960s.