CM Stalin eyes 200+ seats, accuses AIADMK of ‘dancing to Delhi’s tune’

M. K. Stalin , president of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, on Saturday expressed confidence that the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) would secure a sweeping victory in the April 23 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, predicting it would win more than 200 of the 234 seats .

In an interview, Stalin credited his government’s “Dravidian model” of governance for the optimism, highlighting a range of welfare initiatives implemented over the past five years. These include the Kalaignar Women’s Entitlement Scheme providing ₹1,000 per month, free bus travel for women , the breakfast scheme for schoolchildren , and free electricity connections for farmers.

Asserting that people’s trust remains firmly with his party , Stalin said the alliance is poised to return to power with a renewed mandate. He also expressed confidence of a strong performance in neighbouring Puducherry, where Assembly elections were held on April 9.

The Chief Minister launched a sharp attack on the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, accusing it of lacking ideology and functioning under the influence of the Bharatiya Janata Party leadership in Delhi. Defending his earlier remarks calling AIADMK leaders “subservient,” Stalin alleged they had compromised Tamil Nadu’s rights .

Responding to criticism from AIADMK chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami , Stalin dismissed allegations of his family acting as a “power centre” as baseless and diversionary. On law and order, he maintained that his government has strengthened measures against crimes , particularly those involving women, and ensured swift justice through stricter enforcement and legal reforms.

Reaffirming the strength of his alliance, Stalin said seat-sharing talks with the Indian National Congress were amicably resolved , with all partners working towards a decisive victory .