Udhayanidhi Stalin urges newlyweds to prioritise childbirth amid delimitation concerns

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has encouraged newly married couples to prioritise having children, reflecting the state’s growing concerns over potential seat losses due to delimitation.

Speaking at a mass wedding ceremony in Chennai, Udhayanidhi Stalin advised couples to start their families soon but emphasised moderation. “We will secure over 200 seats in the 2026 elections. I urge the newlyweds to think about childbirth at the earliest, though not excessively,” he stated.

Tamil Nadu’s leaders have expressed concerns that the state could lose up to eight parliamentary seats in the upcoming delimitation process, whereas northern states with higher birth rates could gain around 100 seats. The state had successfully implemented birth control measures earlier, which is now being cited as a reason for its potential seat reduction.

This sentiment was echoed earlier by Chief Minister MK Stalin, who, during a wedding ceremony in Nagai district on March 3, noted that the approach to family planning has shifted. “Earlier, we told people to take their time before having children. That luxury is no longer there. We implemented family planning effectively, and now we are facing the consequences,” he remarked.

In addition to encouraging childbirth, Udhayanidhi Stalin also urged parents to give their children Tamil names, reinforcing the importance of preserving the state's cultural and linguistic heritage.

With delimitation poised to reshape political representation, Tamil Nadu’s leadership is signaling a shift in perspective on population growth.