Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin launched a series of sharp attacks against the BJP and its state ally, the AIADMK, on Friday ahead of the April Assembly elections. Speaking at the NDTV Tamil Nadu Summit, Stalin claimed the BJP-AIADMK alliance was formed “out of compulsion”, arguing that neither party could challenge his DMK on its own.

The DMK-BJP-AIADMK political dynamic has been tense since the alliance between the BJP and AIADMK broke in 2023 over internal disputes, including personal jibes by K. Annamalai, the BJP’s then state president. With the alliance now reformed, Stalin warned voters that the upcoming election is “Tamil Nadu vs. NDA” and urged scrutiny of what he described as an “alliance of betrayal”.

Stalin also revived the opposition’s familiar ‘washing machine’ attack, a jab aimed at accusing the BJP of whitewashing corrupt leaders. Responding to criticisms of nepotism regarding the elevation of his son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, as Deputy Chief Minister, he said, “They are targeting us for ‘dynasty politics’… But only when you win people’s confidence can you win their votes. Have you washed your corrupt leaders in a washing machine?” The barb has been widely used by opposition parties, including Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal, to highlight alleged BJP double standards.

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The Chief Minister further questioned the central government on financial and administrative matters, particularly the withholding of approximately Rs 2,000 crore in federal funds for education under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme. He cited the DMK’s refusal to implement the National Education Policy, accusing the centre of “Hindi imposition” through the three-language policy. Stalin also raised concerns over pending approvals for metro projects in Coimbatore and Madurai, emphasising the NDA’s alleged neglect of state development priorities.

With the DMK seeking a second consecutive term in office, Stalin’s speech combined political critique, administrative grievances, and strategic messaging to consolidate support. By targeting both the BJP and its state ally, he framed the election as a referendum on the NDA’s performance while reaffirming his party’s stance on autonomy, governance, and regional development.

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