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Sunday, April 12, 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.

Competing schemes, stressed budget: Tamil Nadu parties go all out to woo voters, critics slam ‘freebies’

Shweta Tripathi -
Chennai: The Dravidian leaders prefer to call them as ‘social investments’, or ‘personalised gifts’. But a familiar sight is back in poll: Dravida Munnetra...

‘Betrayal by those meant to uphold law’—9 TN cops get capital punishment for Sathankulam custodial deaths

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Madurai court calls it rarest of rare case, awarding death penalty to 9 policemen in 2020 father–son custodial killings that sparked nationwide outrage.

Set to sit TN polls out, how Kamal Haasan’s MNM went from being challenger to DMK’s cheerleader

Shweta Tripathi -
Kamal Haasan’s MNM will skip 2026 TN polls after failed seat talks with DMK, backing the alliance instead. The move follows his Rajya Sabha entry and suggests the party’s steady electoral retreat.

Why Tamil Nadu 2026 election is going to produce a hung Assembly

R Rajagopalan -
Almost every party in Tamil Nadu is facing internal conflicts. The results on 4 May could throw up a new political surprise and an unexpected twist.

‘Son’shine tale: Stalin’s rise is the story of DMK’s evolution—a dynastic elevation marked by friction

+TFP Shweta Tripathi -
Stalin has his unique style of connecting with public, proving a calculated attempt to speak the language of the youth while reinforcing govt's flagship schemes. But challenges remain.

DMK to contest 164 seats, Congress 28. Stalin-led ruling party fields over 60 first-timers

Shweta Tripathi -
The DMK released its candidate list, which includes 60 first-time faces, 18 women and 5 Muslim candidates.

Row in poll-bound TN over ‘disrespect to women’: Actor Ranjana accuses TVK supporters, Vijay accuses DMK

Shweta Tripathi -
After quitting TVK, actor Ranjana files complaint against TVK supporters for online abuse day after TVK chief Vijay complains against DMK supporter for referring to TVK supporters as 'prostitutes'.

In poll-bound Kerala, Pinarayi’s ‘no basic awareness’ jibe at Rahul as LDF-UDF trade ‘BJP B team’ barbs

Aneesa PA -
The war of words started Wednesday when the Congress leader talked about a ‘secret understanding’ between BJP & CPI(M) while virtually addressing a rally in Kozhikode.

DMK moves Madras HC seeking ED probe into Rs 4 cr seizure ‘linked’ to BJP leaders including TN chief

Shweta Tripathi -
DMK MP Girirajan has moved Madras HC seeking PMLA probe, alleging BJP leaders linked to Rs 3.98 crore seized in Tirunelveli in 2024. Plea wants ED to register a case and begin investigation.

Seat-sharing deal sparks unease in DMK alliance, allies grumble about ‘big brother’ ahead of TN polls

Shweta Tripathi -
Single-digit seats for older allies, including CPI & CPI(M), & 10 for DMDK, which recently joined alliance, have sparked debate. Tamilaga Vazhvurimai Katchi exited SPA this week.
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