TN CM Stalin launches campaign to enroll at least 30% of voters in 68,000 polling booths

Chennai: Making the “injustices” rendered by the BJP-led Union Government to Tamil Nadu the centre piece of the DMK’s campaign for the 2026 polls, DMK chief M K Stalin on Tuesday launched the party’s membership drive called ‘Oraniyil Tamil Nadu’ (Tamil Nadu as one team), aiming to enroll at least 30 per cent of voters in each of the 68,000 polling booths.

Stalin said DMK functionaries, ministers, MPs, MLAs, senior leaders, and local body representatives aim to visit about 2 crore households across the state to explain the “achievements” of his four-year-old government while inviting them to join the party. The campaign will continue for the next 45 days.

“The fundamental and primary objective of this campaign is to unite the people of Tamil Nadu to protect our soil, language, and dignity. This is an effort to bring together the people to fight against the injustices inflicted upon us. There is no need for me to elaborate on how the Tamil language and the state are being affected by the actions of the BJP government,” he said.

He alleged that the NEET exam has shattered the medical education dreams of underprivileged students, while terming the National Education Policy 2020 a mere tool to “impose Hindi”.

“Only Rs 113 crore has been allocated for Tamil, while Rs 2,532 crore has been allocated for Sanskrit. Efforts are being made to deliberately suppress the Keeladi archaeological report, which highlights the historical pride of Tamils,” Stalin added.

The Chief Minister, while responding to a question about whether the DMK has begun its campaign for the assembly elections through this initiative, replied that election work had begun long ago. Stalin’s assertions come amid the DMK’s plans to project the 2026 elections as a contest between Tamil Nadu and Delhi (the Centre).

“We must demonstrate that when Tamil Nadu stands united, no force can defeat us. We have to stand united to counter the BJP’s political and cultural invasion and the economic war waged against Tamil Nadu,” he said.

Asked whether he would visit Opposition leader Edappadi K Palaniswami’s residence as part of the campaign, Stalin said he would certainly visit if he happened to be in the former’s town during the campaign. He also said DMK cadres will explain how Tamil Nadu is being deceived and oppressed by the BJP, besides reminding people “about our achievements”.

In response to a question, the Chief Minister said DMK leaders will sit with alliance partners and discuss seat-sharing during the elections. On Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement that he would frequently visit Tamil Nadu, Stalin said he also wished Shah visited the state often, as his “false promises” would benefit the DMK.

“Similarly, I have said Governor R N Ravi should also continue in his post. Let them keep coming and that is my wish,” he added.