Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Wednesday announced a statewide ‘black flag’ protest today against the proposed delimitation exercise, warning the Centre of serious consequences if it failed to address the state’s concerns.After convening an emergency virtual meeting of DMK MPs and district secretaries, Stalin said the issue had moved beyond apprehension to an immediate threat. He indicated that the party was reaching out to leaders across states to build a coordinated response to what he described as a grave challenge to southern states.In a statement, the DMK chief said the proposed amendment on delimitation, expected to be introduced in Parliament, would result in a “historic injustice” for Tamil Nadu. He questioned whether states that had significantly contributed to national development were now being placed at a disadvantage.Stalin claimed there was widespread anger across southern India and said black flags would be displayed across homes and public spaces in Tamil Nadu on April 16 as a mark of protest. He added that the Centre was pursuing a course that could trigger a larger political confrontation.He warned that if the Union Government chose to disregard Tamil Nadu’s position, it would have to face the consequences, adding that the cost of ignoring the state’s voice would be significant.Calling for unity, Stalin said the issue transcended party lines and concerned the rights of citizens and the structure of democratic representation. He urged political parties and MPs across the country to come together on the matter.A day earlier, he had warned that large-scale protests could bring the state to a standstill if the exercise reduced Tamil Nadu’s political weight or disproportionately increased that of northern states.The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, founded in 1949 by C N Annadurai, has historically spearheaded agitations on issues relating to state rights and federal balance.