Stalin urges party workers: ‘Work hard, defeat BJP

DMK president and Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin urged party workers to work hard for victory in the 2026 assembly elections. He emphasized defeating the BJP’s strategies and protecting Tamil Nadu from its conspiracies.

Speaking via video conference to DMK workers who ensured victory in the Erode East by-election, Stalin reminded them of their strength. “Tamil Nadu and the DMK stand at the forefront against BJP’s conspiracies. They will create enemies and stage dramas, but we have defeated such strategies for 75 years. Our strength lies in you,” he said.

Stalin praised party workers for upholding the legacy of the self-respect movement founded by EV Ramasamy, known as Periyar. He highlighted DMK’s continuous victories since 2018, including the recent Erode East by-election. “This win reaffirms public support for our government. The opposition is desperate to defeat us, speaking ill of us. In a year, we will face assembly elections,” he warned.

Stalin has consistently attacked the BJP on key issues like the three-language formula under NEP 2020, delimitation, and pending central funds. He has also united southern states to demand greater political and fiscal autonomy. “We have seen great victories and tough losses, but we never let them break us. Instead, we worked harder each time. Let’s make history in the 2026 election,” he declared.

In response, BJP Tamil Nadu accused the DMK of corruption over the last four years. State president K Annamalai pointed to mismanagement in schemes for sanitary workers and MGNREGA. “I am confident the NDA will form the Tamil Nadu government in 2026,” he said.

Annamalai also criticized the DMK government for seeking to amend a petition against Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids on TASMAC. “Jittery, panicky, and desperate—that’s the DMK government. They want investigative agencies to stay away from their ₹1,000 crore corruption in TASMAC. If there’s nothing to hide, why fear an investigation?” he asked Stalin.