Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on 16 September 2026 confirmed he is recuperating at home after being diagnosed with viral fever, and will remain on rest for another two to three days on doctors' advice. The illness has led to the postponement of the party's flagship annual event, the Mupperum Vizha.

Stalin's Health Update

In a post on X, Stalin said: 'Following a fever caused by a viral infection, I have been resting at home as per the doctors' advice. As a result, the events that were previously planned have been postponed. The new date for the postponed Muperum festival will be announced later, in accordance with the instructions of the DMK General Secretary.'

He added that leaders from various political parties and movements across Tamil Nadu, as well as friends from the arts world, had reached out to his office to enquire about his health. 'I express my heartfelt gratitude not only to the leaders of alliance parties but also to the love and concern shown by leaders of other parties and movements,' he said.

Mupperum Vizha Postponed

Stalin's illness forced the DMK to postpone its annual Mupperum Vizha, which had been scheduled at Anna Arivalayam in Chennai. The celebration commemorates the birth anniversaries of Dravidian stalwarts Periyar E.V. Ramasamy and C.N. Annadurai, as well as the foundation day of the DMK — a significant occasion in the party calendar during which senior functionaries are traditionally honoured with awards.

DMK General Secretary Duraimurugan, who arrived for the programme, confirmed to reporters that the event had been postponed solely because Stalin was unable to attend. A revised date, he said, would be announced in due course.

Udhayanidhi Stalin Leads Tributes

In the absence of the Chief Minister, DMK members led by Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin garlanded the statue of C.N. Annadurai at Valluvar Kottam on his birth anniversary and paid their respects on behalf of the party. Stalin had originally been scheduled to personally offer floral tributes at the statue.

Party Activities to Continue

Despite his illness, Stalin urged party workers to celebrate Periyar's birth anniversary and the DMK's foundation day with full enthusiasm on 17 September. He directed functionaries to administer the Social Justice Day pledge at all DMK offices and instructed cadres to garland Periyar's statues across the state. Marking the beginning of the party's 78th year, he also appealed to members to hoist party flags at offices and designated locations.

Stalin assured well-wishers that he is recovering under medical supervision and thanked all who expressed concern. A firm date for the rescheduled Mupperum Vizha is expected to be announced once he returns to active duties.