Did AIADMK Submit to BJP's Pressure Tactics? DMK's Counter Strategy by Stalin

Chennai, May 3 (NationPress) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President M.K. Stalin has fiercely criticized the BJP-led Union government, claiming that the AIADMK, led by Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), has yielded to the BJP’s coercive tactics. He affirmed that while the AIADMK has capitulated to the BJP’s threats, the DMK will stand firm and politically counter the BJP.

During a gathering of district secretaries at the party headquarters, Anna Arivalayam, Stalin remarked, “The BJP is aggressively trying to establish its presence in Tamil Nadu. It has effectively subdued the AIADMK through various intimidation methods. Edappadi Palaniswami felt compelled to ally with the BJP, fearing for his position within the AIADMK. He was aware that his leadership would be questioned if he did not comply with the alliance.”

The Chief Minister also criticized the Union government for utilizing central agencies to target senior DMK leaders and ministers. “We have encountered such obstacles throughout our movement. Those who cannot defeat us politically resort to these measures to damage our reputation. The public is aware of the real motives behind these threats and intimidation. We are ready to politically confront the BJP,” Stalin asserted.

In a direct message to party members ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, the DMK leader stressed that only capable and winnable candidates will be selected. “The party high command will determine who is deserving. It is your (district secretaries’) duty to ensure that your candidates demonstrate their worthiness for contesting and winning. Ministers must allocate more time to their districts instead of remaining in Chennai. MLAs should routinely visit every panchayat and ward,” he directed.

It is noteworthy that the DMK has planned its General Council meeting for June 1 in Madurai. This meeting, chaired by Stalin, is anticipated to be crucial in shaping the party’s strategy for the 2026 Assembly elections. The decision was finalized during Saturday’s district secretaries’ meeting, where the party also revealed plans to conduct 1,244 public meetings statewide under the theme: ‘Celebrating four glorious years recognized by the nation. Let it continue.’

The meeting also adopted resolutions of condolence for the victims of the recent Pahalgam terror attack and for the late Pope Francis. With the 2026 elections in clear focus, the DMK has set an ambitious goal of winning 200 out of Tamil Nadu’s 234 Assembly seats. Currently, the DMK holds 133 seats, while its INDIA bloc allies collectively control 159 MLAs.

A senior DMK leader informed IANS that the forthcoming General Council session will refine the party’s strategies to meet its objectives, ensuring thorough preparation across all constituencies. As part of its groundwork, the DMK has appointed seasoned constituency in-charges, including senior officials, former MLAs, former MPs, and grassroots leaders—credited with playing a pivotal role in the DMK’s 2021 resurgence after a decade in opposition.

Notably, the DMK followed a similar strategy during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, deploying constituency in-charges and deputies for each Assembly segment to guarantee strong local oversight.