MK Stalin accuses Centre of politicising women’s reservation; BJP and AIADMK demand clarity on DMK’s stand.
April 12, 2026: M. K. Stalin on Thursday alleged that the Centre is using women’s reservation as a “weapon” against the Opposition ahead of the delimitation exercise. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader said that if the Union government was genuinely committed, it could implement the quota immediately instead of linking it to delimitation based on population.
Stalin argued that delimitation should remain frozen based on the 1971 Census to ensure fairness, warning that states like Tamil Nadu, which successfully implemented population control measures, should not be penalised. He also criticised Edappadi K. Palaniswami for remaining “silent” on the issue.
The remarks triggered sharp responses from the Bharatiya Janata Party and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. BJP leaders questioned whether the DMK supports women’s reservation, while AIADMK accused the ruling party of “cheap politics.” Party spokespersons also cited assurances by Amit Shah that delimitation would not adversely impact Tamil Nadu.
The exchange has intensified the political debate in the state, with women’s reservation and delimitation emerging as key flashpoints ahead of upcoming electoral battles.