Ponneri, Tamil Nadu, India — April 18, 2026
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday accused the central government of attempting to reduce the political representation of southern states through a proposed delimitation exercise, calling it a “hidden strategy” to weaken regional influence.
Addressing a public rally in Ponneri in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvallur district, Gandhi linked the issue to recent parliamentary developments, claiming that the opposition had successfully blocked what he described as a politically motivated move.
‘Women’s Reservation Bill Used as a Cover,’ Gandhi Claims
Gandhi alleged that a recent bill introduced in Parliament under the banner of women’s reservation had a broader political objective.
According to him, the legislation was designed to alter parliamentary representation through delimitation, potentially impacting states like Tamil Nadu and others in southern India.
“We defeated it in Parliament,” he told the gathering, referring to opposition resistance to the proposal.
Criticism of BJP, RSS Over Tamil Identity
In his address, Gandhi also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh of targeting Tamil Nadu’s language, culture, and identity.
“I was not born in Tamil Nadu, but I share a deep connection with its people,” Gandhi said, adding that any attempt to undermine Tamil language and culture was unacceptable.
‘India Is a Union of States,’ Says Gandhi
Reiterating his political stance, Gandhi emphasized that India is a “Union of States,” where each state has equal importance and the right to preserve its unique identity.
He criticized the idea of centralized governance, referring to concepts like “one nation, one leader, one language” as being contrary to the spirit of the Constitution.
INDIA Alliance Reaffirms Stand Against Centralization
Looking ahead to upcoming elections, Gandhi said the opposition-led INDIA alliance would continue to resist what he described as attempts to centralize power.
“We will not allow Tamil Nadu to be controlled from Delhi. The state will decide its own future,” he said.
Tamil Nadu Election Landscape
Tamil Nadu is set to go to polls on April 23, 2026, in a single phase, with counting scheduled for May 4, 2026.
The electoral contest is expected to primarily involve the DMK-led alliance and the NDA, while actor-turned-politician Vijay is also attempting to make the race more competitive, potentially creating a triangular contest.
