Naidu Slams DMK Over Delimitation Row, Backs NDA’s “Fair” Formula

Chennai: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday launched a sharp critique of the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), alleging a decline in governance standards, particularly in law and order, across Tamil Nadu.
Addressing a press conference in Chennai, Naidu urged voters to make a “wise decision” in the upcoming Assembly elections by supporting candidates of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). He framed the alliance as a pathway to accelerated development, describing its governance model as a “double-engine” system capable of delivering progress at “bullet speed.”

Concerns Over Law and Order and Infrastructure
Naidu alleged that Tamil Nadu is witnessing a deterioration in public safety and urban infrastructure. He claimed that the state continues to struggle with outdated civic facilities, pointing to poor road conditions and inadequate urban planning.
He warned that heavy rainfall could expose vulnerabilities in Chennai’s infrastructure, potentially leading to severe flooding. Raising further concerns, he cited a rise in crimes against women, custodial deaths, and incidents involving illicit liquor as indicators of governance failure under the current administration.

Political Stand on Women’s Reservation and Delimitation
Taking aim at opposition parties, Naidu criticised resistance to legislative measures aimed at implementing women’s reservation. He argued that political hesitation should not obstruct reforms intended to enhance representation.
Responding to comments by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, Naidu questioned the opposition to the Centre’s delimitation proposal. He explained that the NDA had suggested a uniform formula to increase Lok Sabha seats by 50 percent for all states, regardless of population size, calling it a balanced and equitable approach.

Praise for Modi and National Integration Pitch
Naidu praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing confidence in his continued leadership over the coming election cycles. He highlighted ambitious national projects such as the proposed Ganga Cauvery river linking, calling them transformative initiatives achievable under strong central leadership.
He also dismissed regional divisions, emphasising national unity despite linguistic and cultural diversity. According to him, states should focus on healthy competition for development rather than political fragmentation.

On Language Debate and Leadership in Politics
Addressing concerns about Hindi imposition in southern states, Naidu clarified that Hindi has not been declared India’s national language and encouraged multilingual learning as a practical advantage.
On the evolving political landscape, he remarked that contemporary politics lacks leaders of the stature of icons like M. G. Ramachandran and N. T. Rama Rao, both of whom transitioned from cinema to influential political leadership.

Campaign Trail Across Tamil Nadu
Naidu concluded a two-day campaign tour across key regions including Coimbatore, Krishnagiri, Virudhunagar, Madurai, and Chennai. During the visit, he engaged in public meetings, roadshows, and discussions with local leaders to build support for NDA candidates.
He highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s recent investment successes, citing global companies such as Google and ArcelorMittal as examples of growth driven by strong Centre-state coordination.

Vision for Development and Cooperation
Advocating for an NDA government in Tamil Nadu, Naidu argued that such a model would unlock economic potential and ensure faster infrastructure growth. He also stressed the importance of inter-state cooperation, referencing the Telugu Ganga project as a successful example of collaboration between Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
He proposed river interlinking as a long-term solution to water disputes, calling it essential for sustainable development. Concluding his address, Naidu urged both Tamil and Telugu communities to work together toward shared prosperity and regional progress.