Modi govt's caste census plan, a golden ticket for BJP in Tamil Nadu?
From AIADMK to DMK, PMK to TVK, parties are abuzz, and TN's political scene is heating up; who gains, who loses and how will this reflect in 2026 Assembly poll?
The Modi government’s approval of a caste census alongside the population census has set Tamil Nadu’s political stage ablaze. From the AIADMK and DMK to the PMK and Vijay’s TVK, leaders across the board are reacting to a move that could reshape the state’s political dynamics—especially with its landmark 69 per cent reservation system in jobs and education.
Tamil Nadu has the highest reservation percentage in India, and accurate caste data could strengthen the legal case for protecting it.
Politically, the BJP sees a rare opening in a state where it has long struggled to gain ground.
Who’s celebrating the decision
The AIADMK, the BJP’s biggest ally in Tamil Nadu, has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sees the move as a potential boost to consolidate anti-DMK voters.
The PMK, long a vocal advocate for the caste census, is jubilant. “The Pattali Makkal Katchi welcomes this decision,” said Anbumani Ramadoss, PMK leader.
The BJP itself has been quick to claim credit. “Tamil Nadu BJP welcomes the move,” declared Nainar Nagendran, state BJP president.
Potential political impact
The BJP and its NDA partners hope the caste census will help them build momentum ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, especially in northern Tamil Nadu, where the PMK is influential. The move may also attract smaller players like Seeman’s NTK and Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), both of which have welcomed the announcement.
In a surprise twist, even the DMK—usually a bitter BJP rival—acknowledged the decision. Chief Minister MK Stalin called it a win for the INDIA bloc but pressed for clarity on the timeline.
The Tamil Nadu Assembly recently passed a resolution demanding a caste census, and the DMK will likely claim partial victory.
A long road to 2026
Despite the current political excitement, the next assembly election is still a year away. There’s no clear timeline yet for the population or caste census, and Tamil Nadu’s volatile political landscape could see alliances shift, new partnerships emerge, and fresh issues take centre stage.
Whichever way the 2026 election results go, the caste census is a win for Tamil Nadu’s reservation system—and a big moment in politics.
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