Former M. K. Stalin and president of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam made a strong political statement in Thanjavur on Monday, declaring that the “Dravidian Model government” still lives on in Tamil Nadu despite the party’s recent electoral setback.
Speaking at the wedding reception of Dr Kalaiyazhagi, daughter of former Tiruvarur District DMK Secretary Poondi K. Kalaichelvan, Stalin said the welfare schemes introduced during the DMK government continue to shape governance in the state.
“When the new government was formed with a chance of victory, I conveyed my greetings to those who had assumed responsibility in the new administration,” Stalin said while addressing party workers and supporters.
He added, “I also requested that the schemes implemented during the Dravidian Model government should continue to be carried forward. Today, we can clearly see that the request I made has been fulfilled.”
In one of his strongest remarks after the election defeat, Stalin declared, “Therefore, it is we who continue to remain in governance. No one can erase the schemes that have been implemented. As long as these schemes exist, the Dravidian Model government continues to exist in Tamil Nadu.”
The former Chief Minister also admitted that the party has started an internal review process to analyse the reasons behind the electoral loss.
“We have not become disheartened by the electoral defeat,” he said.
Stalin revealed that the DMK has formed a committee and launched a dedicated platform named ‘Udanpirappe’ to collect public feedback and study organisational shortcomings.
“A committee has been formed, along with a dedicated website called ‘Udanpirappe,’ to study our shortcomings, our problems, why we lost this opportunity for victory, and why we succeeded in certain constituencies,” he explained.
“On that platform, the general public and even those outside politics can express their opinions,” Stalin added.
Taking an indirect swipe at rival parties, the DMK chief claimed that political opponents succeeded despite lacking strong booth-level structures.
“Those who neither did any groundwork, nor met booth agents, nor appointed booth agents, nor even arranged counting agents, have nevertheless won and formed the government. There is nothing wrong with that,” he remarked.
Stalin also acknowledged the growing impact of digital campaigning and social media in elections.
“By making extensive use of social media, they very easily conducted campaigns through children and through grandparents, mothers, and fathers,” he said.
The DMK leader concluded by assuring supporters that the party would continue to remain politically active despite sitting in the opposition.
“Even while serving as the opposition, we will continue to fulfil our duty by taking our message to the people through protests and demonstrations,” Stalin said.
The remarks are being viewed as an important signal that the DMK leadership has already begun preparing for future political battles while attempting to reconnect with grassroots voters after the electoral defeat.
