No close contest; the fight is between DMK and AIADMK, says CM Stalin

CM Stalin asserts the Tamil Nadu elections are a straightforward contest between DMK and AIADMK, emphasizing public support for welfare schemes.

DMK president and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Sunday (April 5, 2026) dismissed the suggestion that the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections would be a “close” multi-cornered contest.

In his first interview this election season, he told The Hindu, the four-way race would ultimately favour the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance.

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“The contest is essentially between the DMK alliance and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam alliance. Other parties lack the organisational strength and infrastructure to challenge us,” he told this correspondent in the midst of electioneering in Virudhunagar.

Mr. Stalin expressed confidence that the DMK government’s welfare schemes and its election manifesto had already earned widespread public appreciation. “Our manifesto, particularly, the Illatharasi scheme to distribute coupon for ₹8,000 to purchase or replace household appliances has become the super star of the election. We will win the elections comfortably,” he said.

To a question on why he was not responding to actor-turned-politician Vijay, who has been critical of the DMK in his campaign, Mr. Stalin said he did not view anyone as a personal adversary.