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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has struck a combative note ahead of the Assembly elections, expressing confidence that the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) will return to power for a second consecutive term while accusing the Opposition All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) of being subservient to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
In an interview with CNN-News18, Stalin framed the upcoming election as a contest between Tamil Nadu's interests and the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), asserting that only the DMK can safeguard the state's rights.
"Only if the DMK comes to power can we fight for the state's rights and for our people. The AIADMK is a slave to the BJP, so they won't do much," Stalin said, urging voters to back his party.
'Fight between NDA and Tamil Nadu'
Positioning the election narrative as "NDA versus Tamil Nadu," Stalin alleged that the Centre has failed to release due funds and GST compensation to the state. He credited the DMK’s "Dravidian model" of governance for Tamil Nadu's economic and social performance relative to other states.
"The AIADMK has surrendered before the BJP, so the fight this time is between the NDA and Tamil Nadu," he said.
Dismissing Opposition attacks
Responding to AIADMK's criticism on law and order and women's safety, Stalin said the government has already addressed these concerns and accused the Opposition of raising them to divert attention from core issues.
"We are doing better on law and order compared to other states. The situation is fine," he said, adding that the DMK’s manifesto and welfare promises have resonated strongly with voters.
Welfare push and manifesto focus
Highlighting key announcements, Stalin said the party has gone beyond its earlier commitments, with a focus on increasing financial assistance for women and students. He described the DMK manifesto as a major electoral draw, anchored by multiple welfare measures, including a proposed ₹8,000 scheme.
Language stance unchanged
On the contentious language debate, Stalin reiterated the party's long-standing Opposition to Hindi imposition, asserting that it is not merely an election issue but a core ideological position.
"We have always fought against Hindi imposition. We will not accept the two-language formula," he said.
Confident of historic second term
Expressing strong confidence, Stalin said the DMK is poised to defy historical trends in Tamil Nadu politics, where incumbents have struggled to retain power.
"Many said I could never become Chief Minister. Now they say the DMK cannot return to power for a second consecutive term. But this time, we will win and come back to power again," he said.
In an interview with CNN-News18, Stalin framed the upcoming election as a contest between Tamil Nadu's interests and the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), asserting that only the DMK can safeguard the state's rights.
"Only if the DMK comes to power can we fight for the state's rights and for our people. The AIADMK is a slave to the BJP, so they won't do much," Stalin said, urging voters to back his party.
'Fight between NDA and Tamil Nadu'
Positioning the election narrative as "NDA versus Tamil Nadu," Stalin alleged that the Centre has failed to release due funds and GST compensation to the state. He credited the DMK’s "Dravidian model" of governance for Tamil Nadu's economic and social performance relative to other states.
"The AIADMK has surrendered before the BJP, so the fight this time is between the NDA and Tamil Nadu," he said.
Dismissing Opposition attacks
Responding to AIADMK's criticism on law and order and women's safety, Stalin said the government has already addressed these concerns and accused the Opposition of raising them to divert attention from core issues.
"We are doing better on law and order compared to other states. The situation is fine," he said, adding that the DMK’s manifesto and welfare promises have resonated strongly with voters.
Welfare push and manifesto focus
Highlighting key announcements, Stalin said the party has gone beyond its earlier commitments, with a focus on increasing financial assistance for women and students. He described the DMK manifesto as a major electoral draw, anchored by multiple welfare measures, including a proposed ₹8,000 scheme.
Language stance unchanged
On the contentious language debate, Stalin reiterated the party's long-standing Opposition to Hindi imposition, asserting that it is not merely an election issue but a core ideological position.
"We have always fought against Hindi imposition. We will not accept the two-language formula," he said.
Confident of historic second term
Expressing strong confidence, Stalin said the DMK is poised to defy historical trends in Tamil Nadu politics, where incumbents have struggled to retain power.
"Many said I could never become Chief Minister. Now they say the DMK cannot return to power for a second consecutive term. But this time, we will win and come back to power again," he said.
