DMK's Udhayanidhi Stalin Critiques NDA's Redistricting Plans in Tamil Nadu

In a recent rally, Udhayanidhi Stalin, Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, criticized the NDA's redistricting efforts, asserting that the state's Lok Sabha seats will not increase as promised. He emphasized the ongoing struggle between Tamil Nadu and the central government, accusing them of failing to meet financial demands. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has also called for the withdrawal of the Redistricting Bill, claiming it undermines southern representation. Union Minister Amit Shah, however, maintains that the redistricting will not adversely affect southern states. The political landscape in Tamil Nadu is heating up as the assembly elections approach.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 17, 2026, 12:39 IST

Udhayanidhi Stalin's Criticism of NDA's Redistricting

Udhayanidhi Stalin, the Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and DMK candidate from the Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni constituency, has sharply criticized the NDA regarding the ongoing redistricting aimed at increasing the number of Lok Sabha seats. Earlier, Home Minister Amit Shah assured that there would be no discrimination against southern states, stating that Tamil Nadu's seats in the Lok Sabha would rise from 39 to 59. However, Stalin contends that the number of seats for Tamil Nadu in the lower house will remain fixed at 47.

Election Rally Highlights

During an election rally in Tiruppur, the DMK leader characterized the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu elections as a battle between Tamil Nadu and Delhi. He expressed that the central government is not releasing funds as per their demands and is deceiving the state. He questioned the existence of blind supporters, stating that while they claim there should be 59 seats through redistricting, it has only been set at 47. Voting for the Tamil Nadu assembly elections is scheduled for April 23, with counting on May 4.

Chief Minister's Demand for Withdrawal of Redistricting Bill

Meanwhile, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has called for the withdrawal of the current form of the Redistricting Bill 2026, labeling it a "major conspiracy" to diminish the representation and power of southern states. He dismissed the assurances from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah that there would be no impact on the representation of specific states, accusing the bill of allowing the BJP to manipulate the redistricting process through the newly formed commission.

Amit Shah's Assurance on Southern Representation

Earlier on Thursday, Union Minister Amit Shah reassured that the redistricting would not affect the representation of southern states. Citing statistics, Shah mentioned that if one were to believe the narrative crafted for the south, currently, there are 129 MPs from the south in the 543-seat house, which is approximately 23.76 percent. In the new assembly, there will be 195 MPs, increasing their share to 23.97 percent.