Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, expressed confidence that the DMK would form the government on its own after the upcoming 2026 elections. Despite buzz surrounding a potential rift between the DMK and Congress, Stalin reassured that the alliance between the two parties remained strong, with the DMK and Congress contesting the election together. He emphasized that the question of power-sharing would not arise at this stage, as the DMK was confident of making "even greater inroads" than in 2021.
Stalin’s remarks came in response to rumors of discord within the alliance. The Congress has raised concerns over its treatment in Tamil Nadu, accusing the DMK of sidelining it and demanding a greater share of seats and power in any future government. In the 2021 Assembly elections, the DMK won 133 of the 234 seats, forming the government independently, while Congress secured 18 of the 25 seats it contested but was not given any ministerial positions.
With tensions running high, the Congress has begun pushing for more influence, leading to discussions about seat-sharing and the allocation of positions if the alliance returns to power. Rahul Gandhi met with DMK MP Kanimozhi last month, where issues such as Cabinet posts, a larger share of seats, and a Rajya Sabha berth were discussed. Official seat-sharing talks are scheduled to begin on February 22.
Stalin also made headlines with his sharp criticism of the BJP, describing its "double engine" narrative as an empty vessel. Labeling it a dabba engine, Stalin accused the NDA of spreading falsehoods, hate, and communal tension in Tamil Nadu. He warned that the people of the state would deliver a "great disappointment" to the BJP for its provocations, asserting that such divisive politics had no place in Tamil Nadu.
The BJP, aiming to make inroads into the southern state, has sought to consolidate opposition forces by bringing the AIADMK and TTV Dhinakaran's AMMK back into the NDA fold. The PMK is also a part of the alliance, setting the stage for a fierce electoral battle in Tamil Nadu in 2026.
