Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has made a dramatic shift in his stance on family planning, urging newlyweds to have children without delay. Speaking at an event in Nagapattinam, Stalin said that his previous advice to couples to wait before expanding their families no longer holds, citing the Union Government’s proposed delimitation exercise.
“Earlier, I used to ask the newlyweds to take time before expanding their family. Now with the delimitation that the Union Government is planning to implement, such advice does not stand. We focused on family planning and controlled population. Now, I urge the newly married to immediately plan on having children, and give them Tamil names,” Stalin declared.
VIDEO | Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said he has changed his views on family planning and would not advise newly married to now wait before having children.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 3, 2025
"Earlier, I used to ask the newly weds to take time before expanding their family. Now with the delimitation that… pic.twitter.com/0ewDETXAs6
The statement has sparked a political storm, with critics questioning whether the Tamil Nadu CM’s call is a direct pushback against the Centre’s policies. The delimitation exercise, which is expected to increase parliamentary representation for states with higher populations, has become a contentious issue, especially for southern states like Tamil Nadu that have successfully controlled birth rates.
Stalin’s remarks are being seen as a strong political message, urging Tamils to take charge of their demographic future amid fears that southern states may lose influence in national politics due to their lower population growth. His call to ensure children are given Tamil names further reinforces a growing sentiment of regional identity and resistance against perceived northern dominance.