In a significant show of strength and strategic planning, the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) held a major conference in Chennai on Sunday, drawing more than a thousand of its key functionaries. The event, organized for the party's Chennai zone at Ambattur, was explicitly framed as a crucial step in preparing for the upcoming 2026 assembly elections in Tamil Nadu.
Key Resolutions Against Hate and for Labour Rights
The conference was not merely an organizational meet but a platform to adopt a series of pointed resolutions. Leading the agenda was a strong condemnation of what the party termed as 'hate campaigns' surrounding the Thiruparankundram issue. The SDPI leadership accused communal forces of targeting places of worship across Tamil Nadu through historically inaccurate narratives and aggressive social media propaganda, demanding immediate state action to curb these activities.
On the economic front, the party launched a sharp critique of the four new labour codes that were implemented in November 2025. The resolution argued that these codes severely dilute hard-won labour rights, weaken the power of trade unions, extend working hours unfairly, and impose restrictions on the fundamental right to strike. The SDPI unequivocally called for the complete repeal of these labour laws, positioning itself as a champion of the working class.
Addressing Community and Public Sector Demands
Shifting focus to community-specific issues, the conference pressed the state government to expedite the handover of urban land that has been earmarked for Muslim burial grounds. The party highlighted administrative delays in this sensitive matter, urging authorities to act without further postponement.
Furthermore, the SDPI voiced its solidarity with two vital public service groups—teachers and sanitation workers. The resolutions underscored their long-pending demands, which include pay parity, regularisation of temporary jobs, and the release of full wages. By highlighting these issues, the party aims to consolidate its support among these sizable and influential voter segments.
Building the Groundwork for 2026
The large-scale participation of over 1,000 booth in-charges and office-bearers signals the SDPI's intent to build a robust, grassroots-level machinery for the 2026 electoral battle. The Chennai zone conference served as a rallying point to align the party's cadre on a common political and social agenda, combining identity-based issues with broader economic justice themes. This dual approach is likely to form the cornerstone of their campaign strategy in the months to come.
