In a move that could reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam, founded by late actor Vijayakanth, on Thursday formally joined the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, ending weeks of intense speculation over its political course.
The pact was sealed at the DMK headquarters, Anna Arivalayam, in the presence of Chief Minister and party president M K Stalin.
DMDK General Secretary Premalatha Vijayakanth, accompanied by senior leaders including treasurer L K Sudheesh, called on Stalin to finalise the tie-up.
In a social media post, Stalin said, “It brings me immense joy that the DMDK, founded by Captain Vijayakanth and a man who had unwavering love for Kalaignar, has joined the secular progressive alliance.”
Referring to late DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi as Kalaignar, he added, “I warmly welcome sister Premalatha Vijayakanth, who is now skillfully leading the party founded by Captain, along with their party supporters. Let this bond of goodwill continue to contribute to the progress and prosperity of Tamil Nadu.”
Stalin also spoke of continuing the ‘Dravidian model’ of governance.
‘ALLIANCE SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED IN 2016’
Later, addressing reporters at the DMDK office, Premalatha Vijayakanth said the decision reflected the will of party functionaries across districts.
“You were constantly asking about with whom DMDK will form alliance. Now we have formed alliance with DMK as per party functionaries’ wish. Today we have finalised alliance with DMK. All your questions have been answered now,” she said.
She went a step further, saying, “This alliance must have been formed back in 2016.”
Invoking both her late husband Vijayakanth, fondly called Captain, and Karunanidhi, she said, “With the blessings of both the Captain and Kalaignar, we have forged an alliance with the DMK.”
Recalling personal ties, she added, “Karunanidhi was the one who got me and Captain Vijayakanth married. Even my wedding reception was at DMK office.”
SEAT TALKS AND RAJYA SABHA BUZZ
Premalatha confirmed that discussions on seat-sharing had begun and further details would be announced by the Chief Minister.
“About the seats and who are the contestants will be discussed by DMK and DMDK and announced by CM Stalin later. CM Stalin will announce the further proceedings,” she said.
On the possibility of a Rajya Sabha seat as part of the arrangement, she said, “We have done all talks on that. Rather than me announcing that, it will be apt if CM Stalin announces that. We will not be forming a committee now.”
DMDK sources indicated that the announcement on the Rajya Sabha seat would be made by Stalin.
She also made it clear that she would contest in the upcoming elections. “Definitely, there is no difference of view on that. Last time also I had contested, we all had contested,” she said.
TARGET: 200 PLUS SEATS
Striking a confident note, Premalatha said the alliance would deliver a decisive mandate.
“Both parties have welcomed the alliance which will win 200+ seats. This alliance will win big and secure victory. We will win 200+ seats in 2026,” she said.
Dismissing speculation about the party moving towards the NDA, she said, “Only media falsely said that we went to NDA. It was false information. But today this alliance has been confirmed.”
The DMDK had partnered with TTV Dhinakaran’s Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam in the 2021 Assembly polls. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, it was part of the AIADMK-led alliance. Thursday’s decision marks a significant shift in its political positioning ahead of the next Assembly battle in Tamil Nadu.
