DMK accuses Vijay of 'U-turn' on delimitation after meeting Amit Shah

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has criticised actor-politician Vijay for what it calls a reversal of his position on the delimitation issue, following his meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi. The party's remarks come a week after Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) took a strong stance against the proposed redrawing of Lok Sabha constituencies.

Delimitation, the process of adjusting electoral boundaries based on population changes, has become a contentious political issue in southern India. States such as Tamil Nadu, which have successfully implemented population control measures, fear that a fresh delimitation based on numerical strength will reduce their representation in Parliament. Several political parties in the region, including the DMK, have opposed the move, arguing that it penalises states that have managed population growth effectively.

During a public meeting last week, Vijay had aligned with this view, describing delimitation as a threat to the federal structure. He urged Tamil Nadu's parties to unite against it. However, after his meeting with Amit Shah on Tuesday, TVK's official statement struck a more conciliatory note. Vijay was quoted as saying that he had received clarifications on the matter and that the TVK would take a final decision after further consultations.

The DMK, which has been at the forefront of the opposition to delimitation, reacted sharply. In a statement, the party's organising secretary and Member of Parliament, R.S. Bharathi, accused Vijay of performing a 'U-turn' within a week. He said that Vijay's initial strong words had given hope to the people, but his meeting with the Home Minister had changed his tone. 'The people of Tamil Nadu expect consistency in political stances, not political convenience,' Bharathi said.

Vijay's supporters, however, maintain that he is not abandoning his position. They point out that the TVK leader has not withdrawn his opposition to delimitation, but is simply engaging in dialogue with the central government. They argue that understanding the Centre's viewpoint before taking a final stand is a mark of responsible leadership.

The episode highlights the delicate political calculations ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections. Vijay, a popular film star with a significant following, is seen as a potential third front in the state's politics. His statements on key issues like delimitation are therefore closely watched by all major parties.

The DMK's criticism also reflects a broader concern among regional parties. The BJP-led central government has maintained that delimitation will be carried out based on the first census conducted after 2026. Southern states have interpreted this as an attempt to shift political weight towards the more populous northern states, which is likely to benefit the BJP.

Political analysts say the episode shows how regional leaders are being drawn into national debates, even as they try to balance local aspirations with reachability at the Centre. Vijay, who has positioned himself as a neutral and corruption-free alternative, now faces the challenge of maintaining that image while engaging with the government.

Both the DMK and the TVK have indicated that they will continue to raise the issue in public forums. The DMK has called for an all-party meet in Chennai to formulate a common strategy against any adverse delimitation. Meanwhile, the TVK has said it will announce its final, considered opinion on the matter after internal consultations.

In the coming weeks, the delimitation debate is likely to intensify as more parties and leaders stake out their positions. For voters, the question remains whether political stances are rooted in principle or shaped by circumstances.