In Chennai, a top-tier assembly meeting of the governing Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) took place at its central office, where it strongly denounced the federal government’s decision to enforce Hindi on states that do not speak it.
In a forceful declaration, the party also criticized the central government for its delay in conducting a census based on caste.
The DMK further urged the central government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to step in and address the crisis in Manipur, rather than remaining passive observers.
The party highlighted the importance of ensuring the safety of all individuals affected by the riots in Manipur and the need to restore human dignity in the region.
Another resolution adopted at the meeting called on the central government to consider Tamil Nadu’s requests in the recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission.
The party emphasized the need to implement these resolutions to effectively meet the financial requirements of the state.
The leadership of the DMK has directed its members to start grassroots organizational efforts as part of its strategy for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections.
In the lead-up to the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections, the DMK has appointed full-time staff for all 234 Legislative Assembly constituencies in the state.
Half of these appointments were made based on their performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, during which the DMK-led India Bloc secured a sweeping victory, winning all 39 seats in Tamil Nadu and the single seat in Puducherry.
To ensure fairness and concentration, these appointees are not from the constituencies they are assigned to.
Each overseer is required to submit weekly updates on their progress to the state party headquarters, identifying both their strengths and weaknesses.
To improve coordination, ministers have been appointed to oversee the progress of each district.
These ministers will collaborate closely with the constituency overseers to monitor progress and ensure the successful implementation of state government initiatives and programs.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is personally overseeing the performance of these ministers. He has expressed his confidence in the DMK’s capacity to secure 200 out of the 234 seats in the 2026 elections.
Currently holding 133 seats, the party has set an ambitious target and is working diligently to achieve it.
A key group of DMK leaders, including Youth Wing leader and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, State Ministers Thangam Thennarasu and E.V. Velu, and Organising Secretary R.S. Bharathi, has been tasked with managing the party’s election strategy.
Udhayanidhi Stalin is in charge of the day-to-day operations and has criticized certain party leaders for their underperformance during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections despite being given specific roles.
Discussing the party’s preparations, R.S. Bharathi stated, “Our leader and Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin, has set a goal of winning 200 out of the 234 seats in the 2026 elections. The party’s organizational structure is fully operational to achieve this objective. Senior leaders, including Udhayanidhi Stalin, are working tirelessly to ensure the party’s victory.”
