Stalin Says Tamil Nadu Will Resist BJP, Pledges DMK Victory in 2026 Elections

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Sunday asserted that neither Union Minister Amit Shah nor the RSS could make an electoral impact in the state, emphasizing that the DMK would continue to uphold Tamil Nadu’s character and pluralism while preparing for a strong performance in the 2026 Assembly elections.

Addressing the DMK youth wing (north zone) functionaries, Stalin criticized the BJP and right-wing organizations for spreading “defamatory and retrograde thoughts” since the party assumed power at the Centre for the third time in 2024. He said, “The duty is not just to safeguard Tamil Nadu and the Tamil language; we have the duty to protect the whole of India and its pluralism. The DMK is the only state party that is ideologically fighting against the BJP in the entire India. They could not succeed only in Tamil Nadu.”

Referring to recent statements by Amit Shah claiming Tamil Nadu as the BJP’s next political target, Stalin said, “Not only you, even if you bring a whole Sanghi battalion, you cannot do anything here. This is Tamil Nadu. You do not understand our character.” He added that the state “embraces only love and will not bow before arrogance.”

Stalin framed the 2026 Assembly elections as a choice for the people between progress and regression. “The question before the people is whether they are going to leap forward by 50 years or allow themselves to be influenced by those trying to take them backwards. The people's answer will be the Dravidian model government version 2.0,” he said, urging party cadres to work towards a “big win” in the elections.

Highlighting the DMK’s historical legacy, Stalin recalled that party founder C.N. Annadurai was 40 when he established the party in 1949, and later leaders, including M. Karunanidhi, were very young and energetic. He emphasized that grassroots campaigning, including discussions at tea shops and door-to-door outreach, played a key role in the party’s growth.

Stalin also praised the work of his son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, the DMK youth wing secretary and Deputy Chief Minister. He said Udhayanidhi had strengthened the youth wing by enrolling lakhs of members, organizing special meetings on ideology, nurturing 200 new orators, holding knowledge carnivals (Arivu Thiruvizha), and founding a publication house for books promoting party principles. “This is the quality of a politician,” Stalin said, adding that Udhayanidhi had earned recognition even among rivals for his effectiveness.

Concluding his address, Stalin urged the youth wing functionaries to carry the DMK legacy to the people and educate them about the government’s work in welfare and state development, stressing that the future of Tamil Nadu is closely linked to the future of the DMK.