DMK opens nomination drive, Stalin promises ‘Dravidian Model 2.0’ government

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin on Friday expressed confidence that the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) would return to power in the forthcoming Assembly elections, even as the party formally launched its candidate selection process.

Addressing the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, Stalin said the DMK would form the government again within the next two months and promised a stronger development push. “There will be a Dravidian Model 2.0 government that will surpass our achievements ,” he said.

Earlier in the day, long queues of aspirants were seen at Anna Arivalayam as the party began issuing application forms. The application fee has been fixed at Rs 25,000 for general category candidates and Rs 15,000 for women and reserved category candidates . The fee will be refunded if constituencies applied for are later allotted to alliance partners.

Party leaders said candidate selection would be based on winnability, organisational performance, and social representation , with inputs from district and booth-level units. Internal competition has intensified in key constituencies due to multiple aspirants seeking party tickets.

The DMK has announced that a committee will begin seat-sharing talks with alliance partners from February 22 . The DMK-led alliance includes the Indian National Congress , Communist Party of India , Communist Party of India (Marxist) , Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi , Vaiko-led Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam , and other smaller parties.

Alliance negotiations are expected to play a decisive role in seat allocation, with several constituencies likely to be shared with partners. Party sources said seat-sharing talks would conclude by early March, followed by phased announcements of candidates.

The early start to preparations signals the DMK’s effort to project organisational strength and enter the campaign phase well ahead of the polls.