Monsoon Session Turns Stormy For INDIA Bloc: Is DMK's Delimitation Stand A Boost For NDA?

Published 19 July 2026 · politics

Monsoon Session Turns Stormy For INDIA Bloc: Is DMK's Delimitation Stand A Boost For NDA? Published By, Last Updated: July 19, 2026, 18:36 IST The

Monsoon Session Turns Stormy For INDIA Bloc: Is DMK's Delimitation Stand A Boost For NDA? Published By, Last Updated: July 19, 2026, 18:36 IST The development comes amid a visible strain in ties between the DMK and the Congress following the latter's decision to part ways with its long-time ally and back Vijay's TVK. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi being greeted as DMK chief and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin looks on. (IMAGE: PTI FILE) The Centre’s push to revive the contentious delimitation bill in the Monsoon Session could redraw not just parliamentary constituencies but also political equations within the INDIA bloc, after an exclusive claim made to CNN-News18 suggested the DMK may be willing to back the legislation. Speaking to CNN-News18’s Arunima, Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) MP NK Premachandran claimed that the DMK had supported the government’s move to bring the delimitation bill during the all-party meeting ahead of the Monsoon Session. Asked whether the government intended to introduce the bill, Premachandran replied, “Unfortunately, DMK has just supported the delimitation bill." When asked whether he was referring to the all-party meeting, Premachandran responded, “Yeah, all-party meeting.

They have supported it." If the claim translates into support on the floor of the House, it could significantly improve the NDA’s prospects of securing the two-thirds majority required to pass the legislation—something the government failed to secure during the Budget Session, when the bill could not be passed. CNN-News18 also reported that the DMK appeared to have adopted a nuanced position during the all-party meeting. While the party is understood to have backed discussions on the delimitation bill, it is learnt to have sought assurances that southern states, which have successfully implemented population control measures, would not lose parliamentary representation. The development comes amid a visible strain in ties between the DMK and the Congress following the latter’s decision to part ways with its long-time ally and back Vijay’s TVK in forming the Tamil Nadu government. Once seen as moving in lockstep within the INDIA bloc, the two parties now appear to be taking divergent positions on key parliamentary issues, with delimitation emerging as the latest flashpoint. Hours before Premachandran’s remarks, senior DMK leader T.K.S. Elangovan stopped short of confirming any formal backing for the bill but indicated that the party remained open to discussions while reiterating its long-standing concern that southern states should not be disadvantaged.