Will DMK Remain Committed to Its Foundational Values? M.K. Stalin Speaks

Chennai, May 25 (NationPress) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President M.K. Stalin on Sunday reiterated that his party will steadfastly uphold its core ideology and the principle of state autonomy, emphasizing that the DMK will never compromise on its foundational values.

In a forthright letter to party members, Stalin justified his recent participation in the NITI Aayog meeting in New Delhi, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asserting that it was essential for the state’s advancement.

As he lays out the DMK’s political strategy for the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections, Stalin expressed his eagerness to directly engage with party workers at the forthcoming General Council meeting on June 1 in Madurai.

“Are you prepared?” he urged his members, highlighting that this meeting will be crucial for crafting a winning campaign in the approaching months.

In his letter, Stalin responded to Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), who criticized his sudden attendance at the NITI Aayog meeting after a three-year hiatus.

Stalin contrasted his open visit to Delhi with what he described as a “discreet” and “fear-driven” trip made by Palaniswami, who allegedly met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in secret.

“Fearing central agency investigations, he (Palaniswami) hurried to Delhi without even notifying his party colleagues. He claimed to be visiting the AIADMK office but covertly went to Amit Shah’s residence, using multiple vehicles to evade detection. Unlike him, I did not compromise my party,” Stalin asserted.

The Chief Minister maintained that his visit to Delhi was aimed at advocating for Tamil Nadu’s developmental needs with the Centre and was conducted transparently.

In contrast, he alleged that EPS’ visit came shortly after properties linked to his relatives in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka faced raids from central agencies, including the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Stalin accused the BJP-led Union Government of abusing federal agencies like the ED, CBI, and Income Tax Department to target the DMK more than any other political party.

Despite this, he affirmed that the DMK has never yielded to pressure.

“We have confronted such raids with bravery and challenged them in court. We will never surrender like others have,” he stated, alluding to the AIADMK’s perceived alliance with the BJP. The Chief Minister also questioned why his government should compromise with the Centre over issues that arose during the AIADMK’s tenure.

“Why should we bear the consequences of their misdeeds?” he asked.

Stalin explained the DMK’s rationale for organizing a recent rally in support of the Indian Armed Forces following the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

He reiterated that the DMK has consistently prioritized national security and unity over political considerations.

“Our party is foremost in upholding the integrity of the nation. This is a value instilled in us by Arignar Anna and Kalaignar Karunanidhi,” he stated.

He recalled former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s acknowledgment that “the DMK, whether in alliance or opposition, remains steadfast in its decisions,” and added that leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh have also recognized the party’s unwavering stance.

At the recent NITI Aayog meeting, Stalin expressed pride in representing Tamil Nadu’s economic contributions to India.

“I informed them that Tamil Nadu contributes 10 percent to the nation's economic growth. Under the Dravidian Model of governance, we are determined to enhance this to 15 percent. We are committed to aiding India in achieving its $30 trillion economy vision,” he stated.

Looking forward, Stalin expressed enthusiasm about meeting the young and next-generation members of the DMK at the General Council in Madurai, where the party will set the tone for its Assembly election campaign.