Tamil Nadu Assembly election: DMDK joins DMK-led bloc; alliance will win over 200 seats, says Premallatha

The Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), founded by actor Vijayakant, joined the DMK alliance on Thursday (February 19, 2026). Its leader Premallatha Vijayakant met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin at the DMK’s headquarters ‘Anna Arivalayam’ in Chennai. She was accompanied by her brother L.K. Sudheesh.

Deputy Chief Minister Udhyanidhi Stalin, DMK Parliamentary Party leader Kanimozhi, senior Minister K.N. Nehru were also present during the meeting.

“You have been asking about the alliance, and now there is an answer to your question. We have finalised the alliance,” said Ms. Premallatha.

‘Vijayakant’s wish in 2016’

She said the alliance was formed as per the wishes of DMDK district secretaries and cadre. “Our leader, Captain (Vijayakant), wanted this to happen in 2016 itself, and Kalaignar (Karunanidhi) even said, ‘The fruit is about to slip into the milk.’ Captain is not with us now, but the alliance has happened after 10 years,” she said.

Ms. Premallatha said this was the first time the DMDK had formed such an alliance, and that party members and leaders from both sides had welcomed it. “We will win more than 200 seats,” she said. However, she did not answer questions about whether she would contest the election or about the allocation of a Rajya Sabha seat.

Share of seats

“A committee will be formed to discuss the seats and candidates, and the final decision will be announced by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin,” she said.

When asked about reports that her party was expected to join the AIADMK-BJP alliance, she said this was untrue and had been spread by “YouTubers and satellite channels to boost their TRP ratings.”

Immensely happy: Stalin

In a message on social media, Mr. Stalin said he was immensely happy that the DMDK, founded by his friend Vijayakant, who had great affection for Kalaignar, had joined the DMK.

“I welcome Ms. Premallatha, who is efficiently running the party, and the other leaders of the party. You have a party flag in red and black. Let it contribute to the development of the State. Let us travel together so that the Dravidian Model government continues and Tamil Nadu achieves growth in all fields,” he said.