The Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) on Thursday formally joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led alliance for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly election, with leaders from both parties announcing the decision at a joint press conference in Chennai.
The press conference was attended by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin, DMK general secretary Duraimurugan, and senior party leader and minister K.N. Nehru. Representing the DMDK were party treasurer and senior leader Premalatha Vijayakanth, along with key office-bearers and district-level functionaries. Leaders of other DMK alliance partners were also present, signalling unity within the coalition ahead of the polls.
Addressing the media, Stalin welcomed the DMDK into the alliance and said the coalition would work together to ensure continuity of governance and welfare schemes in the state. He described the partnership as one that would “strengthen the democratic and secular front” in Tamil Nadu and help the alliance secure a decisive mandate.
Premalatha Vijayakanth said the DMDK leadership had taken the decision after consultations within the party and with its cadre across districts. She said the party would contest the election as part of the DMK-led front and extend full support to alliance candidates. She added that the alliance was formed with the aim of ensuring stability and continuing development initiatives in the state.
DMK leaders said seat-sharing discussions with the DMDK had progressed and would be finalised soon. While the number of seats to be contested by the DMDK was not officially announced at the press conference, sources in the alliance indicated that the party could be allotted a limited but strategic set of constituencies.
The joint appearance of leaders from both parties was seen as an effort to send a message of unity and coordination among alliance partners. Leaders said joint campaign programmes would be planned after the Election Commission announces the poll schedule and the Model Code of Conduct comes into force.
Political observers noted that the DMDK’s entry into the DMK-led alliance could influence contests in several constituencies where the party still has a committed voter base. Although its electoral strength has declined in recent years, the DMDK’s organisational presence in parts of northern and western Tamil Nadu may help the alliance consolidate votes.
With major parties accelerating preparations, Tamil Nadu is expected to witness intense political activity in the run-up to the Assembly election. Parties are focusing on alliance-building, candidate selection, and campaign strategies as they prepare for what is likely to be a closely watched electoral contest.
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