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Monday, January 5, 2026
TopicDMK

Topic: DMK

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, or DMK, is a regional political party based in the state of Tamil Nadu and the Union territory of Puducherry. As of March 2024, it is the party in power in Tamil Nadu — headed by Chief Minister MK Stalin — and the lead opposition in Puducherry.

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) can be translated as Dravidian Progressive Federation, and the party adheres to social democratic principles, championing equality and social justice while promoting Tamil nationalism. The party is known for its anti-Hindi imposition policy and for legalising and popularising self-respect marriages — that did not involve priests presiding over the ceremonies.

The DMK, which was founded in 1949, traces its roots to the Justice Party of 1916 (later known as Dravidar Kazgham) and the work of Thanthai Periyar and Perarignar Anna. It was founded by Annadurai as a breakaway faction from the Dravidar Kazhagam. The Justice Party aimed to advocate for the rights and representation of non-Brahmins and socially disadvantaged communities. It fought against caste-based discrimination, championed social justice, and worked towards upliftment through educational reforms and reservation policies. The party played a significant role in shaping the Dravidian movement and had a lasting impact on the socio-political landscape of South India.

A calculated advance into new territory: Why western Tamil Nadu Is DMK’s 2026 battleground

Prabhakar Tamilarasu -
Western Tamil Nadu has become central to the DMK’s future plans, with the party recalibrating its image and alliances to challenge entrenched rivals ahead of the next Assembly polls.

56 former SC, HC judges issue statement in support of Madras HC judge facing impeachment motion in LS

Apoorva Mandhani -
More than 100 INDIA bloc MPs moved motion before LS Speaker Om Birla on 9 December, seeking Swaminathan’s impeachment, saying his conduct ‘raises serious questions regarding impartiality’.

Meetings, 5L new workers. DMK bets big on Udhayanidhi-led youth wing ahead of TN polls

Prabhakar Tamilarasu -
The move comes after the party found that TVK alone could secure a 23 percent share of votes contesting the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections.

‘Vedas will protect you’ remark to ‘caste bias’, Justice GR Swaminathan is no stranger to controversy

Apoorva Mandhani -
Oppn MPs have moved an impeachment motion against the Madras HC judge, saying his conduct 'raises serious questions regarding impartiality, transparency & secular functioning of judiciary'.

INDIA bloc MPs move impeachment motion against Madras HC judge GR Swaminathan amid ‘deepam’ row

Prabhakar Tamilarasu -
MPs, led by DMK's Kanimozhi, allege Justice Swaminathan delivered judgments driven by 'particular political ideology', in a manner inconsistent with secular principles of Constitution.

Idli diplomacy in TN? Rahul aide Praveen Chakravarty says no politics on plate at meet with TVK’s Vijay

Prabhakar Tamilarasu -
With speculation of rejig in Tamil Nadu alliances, Praveen Chakravarty underplays meeting with actor-politician Vijay, DMK says INDIA alliance intact in the state. 

Karthigai Deepam row: What’s the controversy over lighting a lamp on a Madurai hilltop?

Prabhakar Tamilarasu -
Tamil Nadu appeals HC order permitting Deepam at Deepathoon pillar near dargah, as Opposition slams DMK govt over a dispute dating to the British era.

Aiming for ‘Stalin rule’ in Kerala, DMK takes electoral plunge, fields 20+ faces in local body polls

Aneesa PA -
Party has fielded candidates in Kollam and Idukki districts. Both leading alliances in Kerala are members of INDIA bloc, as is the DMK.

After Bihar loss, Congress sets assertive tone in TN with a ‘winnable’ seats list for talks with DMK

Prabhakar Tamilarasu -
The party has shortlisted 125 seats with credible chance of victory. A 5-member panel will handle seat-sharing talks, with plans to push for a larger share this election, it is learnt.

DMK leader says TN would improve only if ‘Narakasura’ Modi is ‘finished off’, BJP demands arrest

Prabhakar Tamilarasu -
Party district secretary's remark at a protest in Tenkasi against SIR has drawn sharp condemnation from BJP, and comes hours before Modi's Coimbatore visit.
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