DMK president and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin asserted that the 2026 Assembly elections will serve as a critical contest to protect the state from the BJP-led alliance, drawing parallels to the 2021 polls that ended AIADMK's dominance. Speaking to approximately 2,500 party functionaries at the 'Yen Vakkuchavadi Vetri Vakkuchavadi' programme, Stalin outlined a comprehensive strategy to counter the Election Commission of India's Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and to strengthen booth-level operations across the state.

Stalin accused the BJP of orchestrating the SIR to suppress votes from key demographics, including working-class citizens, Scheduled Castes, minorities, and women, thereby facilitating an electoral advantage for itself and its ally, the AIADMK. He stated that the DMK had formally requested the ECI to either abandon the revision or conduct it transparently with sufficient time. Emphasizing a two-pronged response—legal challenges and on-ground mobilization—Stalin directed cadres to maintain strict vigilance during the process to ensure the inclusion of all legitimate voters in the electoral rolls.

Criticizing the AIADMK for aligning with the BJP, Stalin described the opposition party as having compromised its autonomy and priorities. He noted that the alliance has failed to attract additional partners, dismissing claims by Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami regarding potential inclusions from parties such as the VCK, Left groups, and Congress. Stalin positioned the DMK as the primary guardian of citizens' voting rights, urging functionaries to prioritize this responsibility at every polling booth.

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To achieve electoral preparedness, Stalin mandated daily coordination meetings at all 68,000 polling stations, involving members from various DMK wings. He instructed the setting of specific targets for each booth, with details to be submitted through district secretaries for his personal review and follow-up via direct telephone inquiries. This structured approach aims to build an impenetrable network of support at the grassroots level.

With the 2026 elections approaching, Stalin's address has reinforced the DMK's narrative of defending Tamil Nadu's interests against external influences. The focus on countering the SIR and fortifying booth management underscores the party's determination to secure a continued mandate, framing the upcoming polls as a defining moment for the state's political autonomy and democratic integrity.

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