DMDK Joins DMK Alliance for Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections

The Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) has officially joined the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, marking a significant political development in the state. The alliance was formalized on Thursday, February 19, 2026, when DMDK General Secretary Premalatha Vijayakanth met with Chief Minister and DMK President M.K. Stalin at the DMK headquarters, Anna Arivalayam, in Chennai. Premalatha was accompanied by party Treasurer L.K. Sudheesh. The alliance signifies the first time the DMDK, founded by the late actor-politician Vijayakanth, has joined hands with the DMK since the DMDK's inception in 2005.. Following the announcement, Premalatha Vijayakanth expressed optimism, stating that the alliance has the blessings of both her late husband, Vijayakanth, and the late DMK patriarch M. Karunanidhi, and predicted a victory of over 200 seats for the SPA. She mentioned that the decision was based on the wishes of the DMDK's district secretaries and party functionaries.. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin welcomed the DMDK into the alliance, emphasizing that the partnership would contribute to Tamil Nadu's progress and the continuation of the 'Dravidian model' of governance. He also recalled the respect Vijayakanth had for Karunanidhi.. The move has drawn sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Tamil Nadu BJP leaders stated that the alliance betrays the legacy of Vijayakanth, who had consistently opposed the DMK. They characterized the DMDK's decision as joining a 'sinking ship' and claimed that Vijayakanth's 'soul will not forgive' the party for this alliance.. The BJP further alleged that the DMK had politically targeted Vijayakanth in the past, making the current alliance contradictory to his political stand.. This alliance comes after weeks of speculation, with the DMDK having previously been courted by the AIADMK-led NDA. Earlier reports indicated that the DMDK might have been offered a Rajya Sabha seat by the AIADMK.. The DMDK's decision to join the DMK alliance is seen as a setback for the AIADMK-BJP combine, which was hoping to consolidate anti-DMK votes.. In previous elections, the DMDK had allied with the AIADMK-led NDA for the 2011 Assembly polls, securing 29 seats and Vijayakanth becoming the Leader of the Opposition. In the 2021 Assembly elections, the DMDK partnered with the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK), contesting 60 seats and drawing a blank.. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the DMDK was part of the AIADMK alliance and also failed to win any seats.. Discussions regarding seat-sharing and the allocation of a Rajya Sabha seat for the DMDK are expected to be finalized soon, with an announcement to be made by M.K. Stalin.. The inclusion of DMDK is anticipated to strengthen the DMK-led alliance's electoral prospects, particularly in key constituencies, and potentially counter the influence of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam among the youth..

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