T.N. CM Stalin denies charges of dynastic politics, corruption, and anti-Hindu bias levelled against DMK

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Friday (January 30, 2026) rejected allegations of dynastic politics, corruption, and anti-Hindu bias levelled against the DMK.

Participating in the NDTV Tamil Nadu Summit in Chennai, he also reiterated his charge that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the State had no principles, and was merely an “alliance of betrayal” forged by “compulsions” and due to the “selfishness of a few people.”

Rejecting the allegation of political heir/dynasty politics, Mr. Stalin maintained: “Anyone can come into politics. But they can win only if they appear before the people, gain their confidence, and secure their votes. So, this [charge of dynasty politics] is levelled only by those who could not work on the ground.”

As for allegations of corruption, Mr. Stalin asked: “Has anyone ever produced any evidence for this?” He went on to ask the BJP: “All those who are with you [in the alliance] are corrupt. The AIADMK [some individuals associated with the party] is the one that was punished in a case that went up to the Supreme Court. When you [the BJP] were not in an alliance with them [the AIADMK], you listed out several corruption charges against them! Have you made them ‘white’ with your ‘washing machine’?”

‘DMK not anti-Hindu’

Denying the allegation that the DMK was an “anti-Hindu party,” Mr. Stalin said reality proved otherwise. Surpassing any other States ruled by the BJP, the Tamil Nadu government has completed kudamuzhukku (consecration) in 4,000 temples across the State during its 1,730 days in office. “The real devotees will be happy,” he said.

Adding that he has responded to the allegations raised against his party, Mr. Stalin contended the BJP has not given answers to any of the questions raised by him. “Let me ask again. When will you release the funds for education that have not been released due to our opposition to the imposition of Hindi?”

Mr. Stalin asked why the BJP was granting funds to States ruled by the party and not to Tamil Nadu, which suffered natural disasters too. He asked: “When would approvals be granted for the proposals for the Coimbatore and Madurai Metro Rail projects?” The Chief Minister further said “the BJP should realise that India was a Union of States.”

‘National parties remain junior partners’

During a discussion on ‘What Next for Tamil Nadu?’ with NDTV’s Rahul Kanwal and T.M. Veeraraghav, N. Ram, Director, The Hindu Group, shared his opinions about the political situation in the State. National parties such as the Congress and the BJP were “junior partners” in their alliances with DMK and AIADMK, respectively, he said.

The political parties that came from the Dravidian movement did not use religion for political mobilisation, Mr. Ram pointed out. He recalled former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi’s statement that Mr. Stalin was the definition of hardwork (Stalin endral uzhaippu) and said: “It is true, and I have observed it.”

On actor-turned politician Vijay and his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), Mr. Ram said there was no doubt he drew support from young people and further contended he will get more votes than late actor-turned-politician Vijayakant. However, Mr. Ram also maintained that Mr. Vijay “has no experience in politics” and “does not have people on the ground.”

Responding to a query on the BJP, Mr. Ram said the national party has recovered from grounds lost earlier. “Maybe not in Uttar Pradesh, but certainly in Maharashtra,” he said. As for the Congress, Mr. Ram said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was brave, and said he had to commit himself to the welfare of his party.

Importance of equity, access

During a discussion on ‘The Dravidian Economic Model – Is it Really Unique?’ with economist Surjit Bhalla, Minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan emphasised the significance on inclusivity, equity, and access. He also recalled specific interventions since the 1920s and said they have assisted in the development of the State. He also pointed out such approaches have helped the State with outcomes.

Minister T.R.B. Rajaa, during a chat on ‘Inclusive Development and Industrial Growth: Has Tamil Nadu Struck a Balance?’, listed out the steps undertaken by the Tamil Nadu government in the industrial sector. Mr. Rajaa pointed out the consistent efforts made by the DMK government from the beginning for the development of the State.