Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Friday asserted that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led alliance would secure more than 200 seats in the April 23 Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, while launching a sharp attack on the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, accusing it of “dancing to the tunes of Delhi”.
In an interview, Stalin said the ruling party’s performance over the past five years, under what he termed the “Dravidian model”, had earned widespread public trust. He cited key welfare schemes such as the Kalaignar Women’s Entitlement Scheme providing ₹1,000 per month, free bus travel for women, the breakfast scheme for schoolchildren, and free electricity connections for farmers.
“People have placed immense love and trust in my party, and with their support, the Secular Progressive Alliance will win more than 200 seats and form the Dravidian Model 2.0 government,” he said.
Polling for all 234 Assembly constituencies in the state is scheduled for April 23.
Targeting the AIADMK, Stalin alleged that the party lacks ideology or principles and functions under the influence of the Bharatiya Janata Party. “How else to describe those who dance to the tunes of Delhi?” he said, defending his earlier remarks criticising the opposition.
Responding to questions on alliance dynamics, Stalin said seat-sharing talks with the Indian National Congress were concluded amicably, adding that such negotiations are a normal part of electoral strategy. He maintained that the alliance, which has been intact since 2019, has only grown stronger with more parties joining its fold.
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He also expressed confidence that the alliance would perform strongly in Puducherry, where elections to 30 seats were held on April 9.
On the induction of former AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam into the DMK fold, Stalin said leaders committed to the Dravidian ideology were naturally gravitating towards his party.
Commenting on the decision to allot 10 seats to the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam, he said the DMK values alliances built on mutual respect and democratic principles.
Stalin also dismissed allegations by AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami regarding his family acting as a “power centre”, calling them baseless and intended to divert attention from the government’s record.
On law and order, particularly crimes against women, Stalin said his government had taken stringent measures to ensure safety and swift justice. He pointed to increased awareness encouraging victims to report crimes, the establishment of “Thozhi” hostels for working women, and amendments to laws to enhance punishments.
Claiming improved governance, Stalin said Tamil Nadu now ranks among the safest states for women, attributing it to sustained policy interventions and enforcement.
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