I do not see the Assembly election in Tamil Nadu as a close contest, says CM Stalin

Disagreeing with suggestions that the Tamil Nadu Assembly election would turn out to be a “close contest”, DMK president and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin said on Sunday (April 5, 2026) that a multi-cornered contest would, in fact, benefit the DMK.

Taking a short break from his intense campaign schedule in Virudhunagar district, Mr. Stalin, in an exclusive interview to The Hindu, made it clear that the contest was essentially between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led Secular Progressive Alliance and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led National Democratic Alliance.

‘Others lack strength’

“Other parties lack the organisational strength and infrastructure to challenge us. A multi-cornered contest will, in fact, benefit the DMK,” he said.

“Our achievements and electoral promises have captured the imagination of the people. The outcome will disprove the notion that the DMK cannot win two consecutive elections,” he added.

When specifically asked what was the need for the DMK to expand its alliance and if it was under compulsion to rope in the DMDK and several smaller parties, he said an alliance, per se, was the coming-together of parties “that share our views”. The number of such parties has increased. “There is no compulsion, but there is a responsibility to accommodate and work with them,” he said.

Mr. Stalin underlined that his party had maintained an “ideology-based alliance since 2019 [the front was formed during the R.K. Nagar by-election in late 2017].”

‘Unprecedented front’

“Such a strong and cohesive alliance is unprecedented in the political history of Tamil Nadu. The DMK-led alliance continues to remain a strong front in terms of vote share. The 2026 Assembly election is about continuing the achievements of the past five years under the ‘Dravidian Model’ government. We must ensure that Tamil Nadu’s interests are not compromised by the Bharatiya Janata Party-led alliance [the NDA]. That is why parties with a democratic outlook have joined us. The real compulsion is to oppose the BJP, which we believe poses a serious threat to democracy,” he contended.

“All elections [have] witnessed extended talks among allies to finalise seat-sharing,” was his response to a question as to whether the inclusion of new parties had caused disappointment among some allies and about the impact of the delay on the part of the Indian National Congress in announcing its candidates.

‘No bitterness’

Mr. Stalin acknowledged that the entry of new parties had led to changes in seat-allocation and the choice of constituencies for the DMK and its allies.

“We have held detailed discussions with our partners, finalised seat-sharing arrangements, and announced candidates. We are now working together on the ground. There is no bitterness. The outcome of the election will be a positive one,” he said.

Asked about his description of the DMK manifesto’s Illatharasi Scheme — distribution of coupons worth ₹8,000 for buying or repairing household electronic appliances — as the “superstar” of the election, he said this scheme had received widespread appreciation, but there were several other “superstar” initiatives too.

“Our promise to increase the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai [the monthly rights grant for over 1.31 crore women heads of families] from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 has resonated with the public. Installing [free] meters for agricultural pumps is another important initiative; it will contribute to strengthening Tamil Nadu’s role in food production. We have also proposed skill development programmes tailored to local industries in each district, investments aimed at generating employment, support for micro, small and medium enterprises, and loans of up to ₹5 lakh for women’s self-help groups. These initiatives, along with several others, are designed to ensure balanced development across the State. That is why we describe our manifesto itself as a ‘superstar’,” Mr. Stalin said.

Questioned about his stringent criticism of the AIADMK-BJP combine, while going silent on actor Vijay, who is consistently targetting the DMK, Mr. Stalin said, “I do not consider anyone my adversary. I do not allow my attention to be diverted from my [objective and] destination.”