Chennai

M. K. Stalin has expressed confidence that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led alliance will secure more than 200 seats in the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election, while accusing the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam of functioning under the influence of the BJP.

In an interview, Stalin said people had shown strong trust in his party and that the Secular Progressive Alliance would return to power with a decisive mandate. Elections to the 234-member Assembly are scheduled for April 23.

Highlighting his government’s five-year tenure, he pointed to welfare initiatives such as the Kalaignar Women’s Entitlement Scheme providing monthly assistance to women, free bus travel for women, the breakfast programme for schoolchildren, and free electricity connections for farmers. He said these schemes reflected the “Dravidian model” of governance and would help the alliance return for a second term.

Launching a sharp attack on the AIADMK, Stalin alleged the party lacked ideology and principles, claiming that “Delhi BJP acts as its headquarters.” Defending his criticism of opposition leaders, he said those who surrendered Tamil Nadu’s rights were merely following instructions from the Centre.

On seat-sharing talks with the Indian National Congress, Stalin said negotiations were normal in alliances and had concluded smoothly. He added that all alliance leaders and workers were now campaigning unitedly for victory.

He also said the alliance, which has remained intact since 2019, had grown stronger with the addition of more parties. According to him, the bloc was also likely to perform strongly in Puducherry.

Responding to criticism over the inclusion of former AIADMK leader O. Panneerselvam in the DMK fold, Stalin said many committed to Dravidian ideology were naturally joining the DMK, which he described as the original home of the movement.

On allegations by AIADMK chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami that Stalin’s family was acting as a power centre, the chief minister dismissed the charge as political distraction meant to divert attention from his government’s record.

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Stalin also countered opposition criticism over women’s safety and law and order, saying past AIADMK rule had witnessed major scandals, while the DMK government had strengthened action against crimes and improved safety measures for women. He claimed Tamil Nadu was among the safest states for women in the country.