BJP used pressure tactics to subdue AIADMK; DMK will face threats politically: Stalin

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin criticizes BJP's tactics, warns against threats, emphasizes party structure, and candidate selection for 2026 election.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Saturday said BJP had used pressure tactics to subdue the AIADMK and its general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami submitted to its threats by forming the alliance.

“The BJP is trying to gain a foothold in Tamil Nadu through all possible means and it has tamed the AIADMK by using all sorts of threats. Mr. Palaniswami has no other choice. He fears that if he does not accept the BJP alliance, his leadership within his own party will be at risk. That is why he has accepted the BJP alliance,” Mr. Stalin said speaking at the meeting of DMK district secretaries at the party headquarters.

Taking a jibe at the BJP led Union government for misusing central agencies against DMK Ministers and party leaders, he said as a movement, the DMK had faced such tests at all times.

“Those who could not win against us politically, engage in such acts to tarnish our image. The people know the actual reason for their threats and intimidations. We will face and counter BJP threats politically.

“Our strength lies in our party structure. No other party has such an administrative framework. We continuously upgrade that structure with time, and we must continue to do so,” Mr. Stalin said..

He also noted that the party high command would decide on the deserving candidates for the 2026 assembly election.

“Only efficient and winning candidates will be fielded. It is the duty of district secretaries to ensure that the deserving candidates enter the Assembly. Ministers must spend more time in their districts instead of remaining in Chennai. Also, MLAs must go to every panchayat and ward,” he said.