DMK Leader RS Bharathi Accuses CM Vijay of Staging ‘Drama’ Over Delimitation Meeting Amid Cauvery Row

August 7, 2026

Chennai: Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Organisation Secretary RS Bharathi on Friday accused Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay of staging a “drama” in the name of a meeting of MPs to discuss the delimitation exercise, alleging that it was an attempt to divert attention from the ongoing Cauvery water dispute.

The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has called an all-party meeting of Tamil Nadu MPs over the delimitation issue.

Addressing a press conference at the DMK headquarters Anna Arivalayam in Teynampet, Chennai, Bharathi said that the Delimitation Bill has not yet been introduced in Parliament and questioned the need for such a meeting at this stage.

Bharathi questions timing of delimitation meeting

“To divert the Cauvery issue, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister is staging a drama in the name of a Parliamentary members’ meeting,” Bharathi alleged.

He said the DMK has already submitted its suggestions and sought amendments regarding the proposed Bill.

“The Bill has not come yet. You cannot name a child that is not yet born. How can you name it without knowing if it is a boy or a girl? The time frame for delimitation has also not come,” he said.

Bharathi added that after the Bill is introduced and details of the proposed legal amendments become clear, DMK president MK Stalin will take a decision after consulting party MPs.

DMK opposes any move affecting southern states

Bharathi said the DMK has already submitted its views on delimitation and will examine the basis on which the Centre proposes to bring the legislation.

“The DMK is firm that Tamil Nadu and the southern states should not be affected by delimitation. Southern states and Tamil Nadu must not be affected,” he said.

He reiterated that the party would take a stand after the details of the Bill are made available.

Mekedatu Dam issue should be priority, says Bharathi

The DMK leader said the immediate concern for Tamil Nadu should be the proposed Mekedatu Dam project by Karnataka over the Cauvery River.

“The Leader of Opposition has spoken clearly about this in the Assembly. He has spoken about convening an all-party meeting. The people of Tamil Nadu are thirsty with no drinking water. What is the meaning of naming an unborn child?” Bharathi questioned.

TVK calls MPs’ meeting on delimitation issue

Tamil Nadu Minister CTR Nirmal Kumar announced in the Assembly that an all-MP meeting would be convened on the delimitation issue on behalf of the Chief Minister.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin called for an all-party meeting amid the dispute over Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu Dam project, while Chief Minister Vijay said there was “no need” for such a meeting and assured that his government remained committed to protecting Tamil Nadu’s interests.