Chennai/IBNS, April 16 -- The controversy over the Centre's proposed delimitation exercise escalated on Thursday as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin staged a symbolic protest, burning a copy of the bill and calling it a "black law".

Dressed in black attire, Stalin also hoisted a black flag before setting the document on fire, opposing the proposed move which could significantly increase parliamentary seats nationwide.

'Black law'

In a post on X, Stalin alleged the move would turn Tamilians into "refugees in their own land".

"Let the flames of resistance spread across Tamil Nadu! Let the arrogance of the fascist BJP be brought down!" he wrote.

"Today, I have reignited that fire by burning the copy of this black law and hoisting ...