DMK's Door-To-Door Campaign Ahead Of 2026 Polls, Eyes 30% Voter Enrolment
In a significant pre-election move, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President MK Stalin on Wednesday launched the party's state-wide door-to-door campaign under the banner Tamil Nadu in One Alliance. The initiative aims to directly engage with voters, showcase the DMK's flagship welfare schemes, and enrol 30 per cent of the electorate as party members at every booth level, well ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
Calling it a campaign of outreach, not compulsion, Mr Stalin reiterated that no voter would be pressured to join the DMK. "We will not compel anyone to become members of the DMK," he said recently, "but we will explain our achievements and contribution to every family, irrespective of their party affiliation."
The early launch is seen as a strategic counter to the possible formation of an alliance between the opposition AIADMK and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), the new party floated by actor Vijay.
At the heart of the DMK's outreach are its flagship welfare schemes - Rs 1,000 monthly assistance for women heads of families, free bus rides for women, free breakfast for school children, and skill development programmes for college students. Party lawmakers and grassroots functionaries will visit every household in Tamil Nadu to explain these benefits and the broader achievements of the DMK-led government.
The campaign is also anchored on Tamil identity politics, with the DMK emphasizing Tamil language, heritage, and pride in contrast to what it often projects as the BJP's Hindi-centric, nationalistic agenda.
With the AIADMK and BJP recently reviving ties, political observers say the DMK views with concern a tie-up between AIADMK and TVK.
The ruling DMK alliance has won three successive elections - the 2019 Lok Sabha, 2021 Assembly, and 2024 General Elections - and is now targeting a second consecutive term in 2026.
Political strategists estimate that Vijay, at the peak of his cinematic career, commands a cult following and could potentially garner around 7 per cent of the vote share. Vijay has already labelled the DMK as his party's political enemy and the BJP as its ideological enemy. Yet, both AIADMK and BJP have left their doors open for a possible understanding with the star.
In a move seen as preparation for a generational shift and to counter Vijay's youth appeal, the DMK has already elevated Udhayanidhi Stalin, MK Stalin's actor-politician son, as Deputy Chief Minister and Youth Wing Chief of the party.
With AIADMK Chief Edappadi K Palaniswami set to launch his own state-wide campaign from July 7, the battle for 2026 has effectively begun - a year in advance.
The race is on, and Tamil Nadu's political chessboard is rapidly taking shape.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
31 minutes ago
- Time of India
'Do Aamir Khan, Javed Akhtar speak in Marathi?': Maharashtra minister Nitish Rane slams assaults over language; issues 'third eye' warning, says it's a Hindutva regime backed by Hindu votes, Mohammed
NEW DELHI: Days after a group of men allegedly affiliated with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena ( ) assaulted a shopkeeper in Mira Road for not speaking Marathi, state minister Nitesh Rane said, "show courage, go to Null Bazaar, Mohammed Ali Road and tell people there to speak Marathi. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now " Reacting to the incident, Rane said, 'If they have the courage, go to Null Bazaar, Mohammed Ali Road and tell people there to speak Marathi. It's a Hindu government—we will not tolerate this.' 'Do Javed Akhtar, Aamir Khan speak in Marathi?", he said. The remarks came amid growing criticism over the assault, which took place Tuesday morning at a sweet shop in Mira Road. A video of the incident went viral, showing a man—identified as the shop owner Babulal Khimji Chaudhary—being slapped after an argument over language. 'They asked for water, then slapped me' According to the FIR filed at Kashimira police station, seven unidentified men, allegedly wearing MNS badges, entered the shop around 10.30am asking for water. A worker, who reportedly hails from another state, responded in Hindi—sparking a heated exchange. 'They said I need to know Marathi if I want to work here. When I said that people in Maharashtra speak many languages, they got angrier and slapped me,' Chaudhary told police. 'They recorded the video and circulated it online,' he added. The men allegedly insisted that all workers in the state must know Marathi. MNS defends workers, blames 'arrogance' An MNS office-bearer defended the group, claiming the shopkeeper was 'arrogant' and had provoked the argument by saying all languages were spoken in Maharashtra. The men had earlier been at Balaji Park to celebrate the state government's withdrawal of its three-language formula, which had triggered opposition protests over possible 'Hindi imposition'. Police have registered a case against the unidentified assailants and are verifying the video and identities.
Time of India
32 minutes ago
- Time of India
PM Modi's diplomacy, leadership has brought India among the world's most powerful nations: Rajasthan CM
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Friday applauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that his work, proficient diplomacy and governance have elevated India to the ranks of the world's most powerful and respected nations. Addressing the 12th Bharat Gaurav Award ceremony held in London through video conferencing, Sharma mentioned that India's invaluable talent has showcased the country's strength and potential through their actions around the world. He further stated that the event was not only a celebration of honouring Indian talents but also a symbol of the strong and cordial relations between India and the United Kingdom. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Rio De Janeiro: Liquidação de SUV, clique aqui para ver os preços Ofertas de SUVs | Links Patrocinados Undo The Chief Minister, addressing the ceremony, stated that Rajasthan had gained worldwide popularity for its rich culture, hospitality, and glorious history, and was writing a new chapter of development through the "Rising Rajasthan" initiative. "Proposals for investments worth Rs 35 lakh crore have created immense potential for employment and prosperity in the state. Over the last one and a half years, Rajasthan has made unprecedented progress in the fields of investment, innovation, and inclusive development," the CM said. Live Events CM Sharma further mentioned that Rajasthan holds immense potential for development in various sectors, including mining, tourism, and industry, with significant strides also being made in education and healthcare. "The mining, tourism, and industrial sectors are progressing in the state. Significant advancements are being made in the fields of education and healthcare as well. Tourists from around the world visit the state to experience the grandeur of its palaces, forts, and havelis, as well as its rich and glorious history. Similarly, tourism is rapidly expanding in religious sites, sanctuaries, and desert areas," he further added. The Chief Minister called upon the expatriates to visit Rajasthan, invest in the state, and be a part of its development journey. Their contribution will elevate Rajasthan to new heights and further strengthen India's global leadership. Congratulating the honoured talents at the ceremony, Sharma said that the 'Bharat Gaurav Award' was a symbol of the country's infinite potential, our unity, and our growing strength on the global stage. It is noteworthy that during this ceremony, organised by the Culture Youth Organisation, individuals from various fields were awarded the Bharat Gaurav Award with certificates of appreciation, mementoes, and shawls. Representatives from 18 countries worldwide participated in the event. Prominent dignitaries at the ceremony included London MP Navendu Mishra, former UK Minister and member of the House of Lords, Baroness Sandeep Verma, member of the House of Lords, Rami Ranger, former Mayor of London Sunil Chopra, former MP Virendra Sharma, Prayag Mahakumbh advisor Rakesh K. Shukla, President of Culture Youth Organization Pandit Suresh Mishra, and other distinguished guests.
The Wire
42 minutes ago
- The Wire
CPI(M) Alleges Ties to Abhishek Banerjee, Massive Corruption in Deocha-Pachami Coal Project
Bankura: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has demanded a judicial inquiry into the controversial Deocha-Pachami coal mining project in Birbhum district of West Bengal. At a press conference held on July 3 at the party's state headquarters on Alimuddin Street, CPI(M) state secretary Mohammed Salim alleged large-scale corruption, environmental violations, and illegal tender procedures, accusing both the Trinamool Congress (TMC)-led state government and the BJP-led Union government of complicity. Salim presented evidence alleging that the state government secured environmental clearance for the project fraudulently. He claimed the union environment ministry had granted clearance for a mere 12 acres, despite the project's actual size being over 431 hectares, which would necessitate a mandatory public hearing and full environmental scrutiny as a Category A project. 'This environmental certificate is practically fraudulent and was given under the auspices of the BJP-led Union government. Both the Centre and the state are responsible,'alleged Salim. The West Bengal Power Development Corporation Limited (WBPDCL) awarded the mining contract in March 2024 to Trancemarine & Confreight Logistics Pvt Ltd, a Mumbai-based firm with no prior mining experience, at a 71.05% revenue share. In April, 2025 Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd, a Kolkata-based firm, acquired 60% of Trancemarine for a mere Rs 4.23 crore. Himadri also issued a Rs 150 crore loan to Sturdy Niketan, an obscure entity with no turnover, allegedly for royalty payments. According to a company release, Trancemarine's annual turnover for FY23-24 was Rs 35.69 crore, much higher than what Himadri is paying for its acquisition. 'Once someone is given a tender, it cannot be passed to someone else. This is a direct violation of WBPDCL policy. Sturdy Niketan, which has zero income, is being used as a front for illicit financial flows,' Salim claimed. Interestingly, Himadri Chemicals, now central to the project, had earlier invested in Tidings Media & Communication Pvt Ltd, which acquired the Bengali daily Ei Samay from the Times Group. One of Tidings' major stakeholders is Sanjay Basu, known to be a legal advisor and close confidante of both Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her nephew, the Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee. In February 2025, CM Banerjee claimed at the Bengal Global Business Summit that coal mining had begun at Deucha-Pachami and promised over one lakh jobs. However, CPI(M) pointed out that WBPDCL has not even submitted the required geological report or mining plan to the Union coal ministry, 66 months after the coal block was allotted in overall project, including basalt mining, is expected to generate over Rs 1,500 crore in profits, raising serious questions about insider profiteering. 'Where is the coal? It was said that above 100,000 people would be employed, where is employment? The fact is that stones will be extracted from that land,' Salim said. Documents indicate that the coal mining lease process remains incomplete, and no private company applied to mine the block even after two deadline extensions in 2025. In November 2023, the state government authorised WBPDCL to mine basalt on 431.47 acres, with an estimated profit of Rs 5,600 crore. In June 2024, Pachami Basalt Mining PrivateLimited was incorporated in Kolkata. Neither Sturdy Niketan nor Pachami Basalt Mining Private Limited has an official website, and their corporate listing links to Basalt mining began in Deucha-Pachami site in February this year, but locals demanded a permanent halt, citing severe environmental and health hazards and alleging that forest land was cleared without informing the resident tribal communities.
