After the defeat of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, in Parliament, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressed supporters in Ponneri, Tamil Nadu, asserting that any efforts to weaken the state's representation would be met with resistance from the INDIA alliance. The bill, which aimed to link delimitation with women's reservation, failed to achieve the necessary two-thirds majority, receiving 298 votes in favor and 230 against. Gandhi criticized the BJP for its perceived attacks on Tamil identity, stating that the party's actions were a backdoor attempt to alter the federal balance and diminish Tamil Nadu's influence within the Union of India. He expressed solidarity with the Tamil people, emphasizing that the language and culture are integral to their identity. In addition, Gandhi announced six welfare guarantees aimed at promoting social justice, including ₹2,000 monthly assistance for women and senior citizens, and a commitment to fill government vacancies within 300 days. He concluded with a strong declaration that no force could undermine Tamil Nadu or its language, reinforcing the state's pride and autonomy. The upcoming elections in Tamil Nadu will see a contest primarily between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance and the NDA, led by the AIADMK and BJP.