Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M. K. Stalin issued a stern warning to party functionaries from the Tirunelveli Assembly constituency on Thursday, stating that failure to secure victory in the 2026 polls would result in the immediate removal of all office-bearers, including the district secretary, from their posts. The directive came during a closed-door meeting at the DMK headquarters as part of Stalin's ongoing 'Udanpirappe Vaa' initiative, where he is personally reviewing ground-level preparedness across all 234 constituencies ahead of the crucial elections.

Stalin reportedly emphasised the high stakes for Tirunelveli, currently held by BJP state president K. Nainar Nagendran, and stressed that there would be "no excuses" for defeat. He urged the cadre to work tirelessly on booth-level mobilisation and remain vigilant during the Election Commission of India's special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, warning against any complacency that could allow opponents to manipulate voter lists.

The meeting also covered the neighbouring Sankarankovil constituency, where functionaries were similarly tasked with strengthening grassroots efforts. The CM's tough stance reflects DMK's determination to reclaim seats lost to the BJP in southern Tamil Nadu, especially after recent gains like the defection of AIADMK's Alangulam MLA P. H. Manoj Pandian, who resigned and joined DMK last month—a move expected to bolster the ruling party's influence in the Tirunelveli and Tenkasi districts.

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Sources present at the interaction described Stalin as particularly focused on unity and performance, reminding leaders that internal rivalries or laxity would not be tolerated in a multi-cornered fight involving BJP, AIADMK, and NTK. The 'Udanpirappe Vaa' series, launched last month, has already seen Stalin hold over 50 such constituency-specific reviews, signalling a high-command-driven campaign to retain power for a second consecutive term.

As DMK ramps up its 2026 strategy amid alliance talks and opposition regrouping, Stalin's no-nonsense approach has energised the rank and file while sending a clear message: victory is non-negotiable, and accountability starts from the top. With similar warnings likely in other vulnerable seats, the initiative underscores the party's shift to a results-orientated machinery in what promises to be a fiercely contested election.

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