Ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) has officially joined hands with the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). The announcement was made on Thursday, February 19, following a key meeting at Anna Arivalayam, the DMK headquarters in Chennai.
DMDK general secretary Ms Premallatha Vijayakant met Chief Minister and DMK President M.K. Stalin to formalise the alliance. She was accompanied by her brother and senior party leader L.K. Sudheesh. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, DMK Parliamentary Party leader Kanimozhi, and senior minister K.N. Nehru were also present during the discussions.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Premallatha confirmed the long-speculated tie-up. "Many of you have been asking about the alliance. Now you have your answer, it has been finalised," she said. She described the decision as a long-cherished wish of DMDK founder and late actor-politician Vijayakanth.
Recalling past events, she noted that Vijayakanth had hoped for such an understanding as early as 2016. She referred to former Chief Minister Karunanidhi's remark at the time, likening the alliance to "a fruit about to fall into milk," suggesting that the coming together had once been close. "Captain is not with us today, but after ten years, his wish has become reality," she said emotionally.
Ms Premallatha added that party cadres and leaders from both sides have enthusiastically welcomed the move. Expressing confidence about the upcoming election, she declared, "We will win more than 200 seats." However, she remained non-committal when asked whether she would personally contest the election.
A joint committee will soon be formed to work out seat-sharing arrangements and candidate selection, with the final announcement to be made by Chief Minister Stalin.
M.K. Stalin, speaking on the occasion, said he was delighted that the DMDK, founded by his friend Vijayakanth, who had deep respect for Kalaignar Karunanidhi, had joined the DMK-led alliance. He welcomed Premallatha and other DMDK leaders, praising her efforts in steering the party.
"You have a red-and-black flag. Let it now contribute to the progress of Tamil Nadu," Mr Stalin said, inviting the DMDK to work together to ensure the continuation of the Dravidian Model of governance. He emphasised collective efforts for sustained growth and development across sectors in the state.
With this alliance, the political landscape in Tamil Nadu is poised for a notable shift ahead of the 2026 polls, setting the stage for a high-stakes electoral battle.
