In a significant political development ahead of the Assembly elections, the Desiya Murpoku Dravidar Kazhagam (DMDK) on Thursday joined the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), delivering a setback to the opposition front led by the All-India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and the BJP.
The announcement was made at the DMK headquarters, Anna Arivalayam, where DMDK general secretary Premalatha Vijayakanth was welcomed by Chief Minister and DMK president MK Stalin and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin.
Confirming the alliance, Premalatha said, “We have sealed an alliance with the DMK. This is the wish of every party cadre.” He added that the development fulfilled a long-standing aspiration of party workers and should have happened during the lifetime of DMDK founder Vijayakanth.
She said discussions on seat-sharing arrangements would be finalised through alliance coordination committees. Premalatha also stated that the decision had ended speculation over the party’s political alignment.
“Our joining hands with the DMK will definitely contribute towards the goal of winning over 200 seats by the Secular Progressive Alliance,” she said.
The shift assumes political significance as it comes days after Premalatha attended a private Shivratri event alongside senior BJP leaders and AIADMK functionaries. The DMDK had earlier become the first party in the state to formally exit the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Welcoming the move, Stalin described the development as 'a great joy' in a social media post. He warmly received Premalatha, referring to her as his sister, and recalled the close relationship between Vijayakanth and former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi.
Stalin expressed confidence that the inclusion of the DMDK would strengthen the alliance and contribute to the continued progress of Tamil Nadu under the Dravidian model of governance.
“Let us travel together so that the Dravidian model of rule continues and Tamil Nadu progresses in all ways,” he said.
The development is expected to reshape political equations in the state, with the ruling DMK-led alliance consolidating its position ahead of the crucial electoral contest.
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