DMK alliance leaders meet Archbishop, seek christian support ahead of polls

A high-level delegation of candidates from the DMK-led alliance , contesting the April 23 Assembly elections , met Archbishop of Madras-Mylapore and President of the Tamil Nadu Bishops Council, George Antonysamy , on Monday to seek support from the Christian community.

The meeting, held in Chennai, is being viewed as a significant political outreach aimed at consolidating the Roman Catholic community’s longstanding alignment with the Dravidian movement’s secular and social justice-oriented ideology .

The delegation, led by Tamil Nadu Ministers P. K. Sekar Babu and Ma. Subramanian is learnt to have discussed key issues concerning minority welfare , protection of constitutional rights , and the need to preserve communal harmony in the state. Sources indicated that the leaders highlighted the alliance’s commitment to safeguarding minority rights , ensuring religious freedom , and upholding the principles of federalism and state autonomy .

During the interaction, representatives of the Church are understood to have raised concerns over the perceived rise of majoritarian politics , the protection of educational and religious institutions run by minorities, and the need for continued government support to welfare schemes benefiting marginalized communities .

In a statement issued after the meeting, the Tamil Nadu Bishops Council, along with the Christian Rights Movement, stressed the importance of defending constitutional values such as secularism and social justice . The organisations called for collective efforts to counter divisive forces and preserve the pluralistic ethos of the state.

The DMK-led alliance delegation reiterated that the upcoming elections represent a crucial moment for Tamil Nadu , framing it as a choice between safeguarding its inclusive social fabric and resisting external ideological influences.

The April 23 polls are expected to witness intense political contestation , with alliances intensifying outreach to key communities across the state.