Interview/ M.K. Stalin, Tamil Nadu chief minister
Clad in a red T-shirt and black trousers, M.K. Stalin has just returned from a long morning walk—meeting people, posing for selfies, and checking whether they had benefited from government welfare schemes. Inside a temporary residence tucked away in a remote village near Paramakudi—a small town sandwiched between Madurai and Ramanathapuram—amid a brief pause in his poll campaign, the chief minister exudes confidence ahead of what he describes as a contest between “Tamil Nadu and Delhi” in the upcoming elections.
Stalin, 73, is acutely aware that this election represents a crucial battle for the DMK—not only to retain power and counter the BJP, but also to navigate the challenges posed by investigations targeting the party. For him, 2026 represents a “historically significant” opportunity to entrench a governance model that he believes has fundamentally reshaped the socioeconomic fabric of households across the state. In this interview with THE WEEK, Stalin frames the Dravidian Model 2.0 not merely as an electoral platform, but as an ideological evolution.
Excerpts:
Q/ The opposition alliance appears strong. Do you consider this election to be challenging?
The opposition coalition you mention is one that has already been defeated by the Secular Progressive Alliance led by the DMK; it is a coalition that has been rejected by the people of Tamil Nadu. Every family in Tamil Nadu has benefited from the remarkable welfare schemes of the Dravidian Model government. The people of Tamil Nadu stand with the DMK alliance. Therefore, this assembly polls will certainly be a historically significant victory for the DMK.
Q/ What would you call as your most significant contribution to the state in the past five years?
In the past five years of our Dravidian Model rule, we have implemented many schemes, including the Vidiyal Payanam (free bus travel) scheme, Magalir Urimai Thogai (direct benefit transfer for women), Pudhumai Penn (scholarships for female students), Tamil Pudhalvan (scholarships for male students), Naan Mudhalvan (skill development scheme), the morning breakfast scheme, Thayumanavar scheme (ration delivery), Anbu Karangal (financial assistance for vulnerable children), Anbusolai (elderly care), Kalaignar Kanavu Illam (housing for the poor), assured pensions for government employees, and free electricity connections for two lakh farmers.
While all are important for social progress, I consider two to be most essential. First, the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme. We brought this to give government recognition to housewives who work tirelessly for their families. Even political rivals who asked “How is this possible?” are now amazed and trying to implement it in their own states. We named it “Women’s entitlement” because it protects women’s rights and self-respect. Today, 1.31 crore heads of households are beneficiaries. In the next “Dravidian Model 2.0” government, we will increase this to Rs2,000. Second is the morning breakfast scheme for schoolchildren. It is close to my heart. Though the budget is lower than that of other schemes, the benefit is immeasurable. Lakhs of children used to come to school on empty stomach. Now, their stomachs are full and they study well.
Q/ Even before the date was announced, you had termed the elections as a “Tamil Nadu vs Delhi” fight. Will your stance find resonance?
Delhi is trying to destroy India’s diversity with slogans like ‘One Nation, One Religion’, ‘One Nation, One Language’ and ‘One Nation, One Election’. [It is] aiming to snatch away state rights and establish dictatorial rule. The BJP, which has betrayed Tamil Nadu by not fulfilling even one hallmark project, is trying to enter the state using a ‘slave’ like the AIADMK. Because the BJP continuously attacks Tamil Nadu’s financial, linguistic, educational, cultural and political rights, we call this election Tamil Nadu vs Delhi. In this battle between Tamil culture and the BJP’s fascism, Tamil Nadu will fight! Tamil Nadu will win!
Q/ The DMK alliance is facing the polls by listing the achievements of these five years. But, after five years in power, all governments face anti-incumbency. How is the DMK going to face this?
In five years of the Dravidian Model rule, we have provided direct monetary benefits to every family under various schemes, enabling them to achieve socioeconomic empowerment. For the first time, we have governed with a plan to create factories in all districts, moving beyond just Chennai. Because of this, we have repaired Tamil Nadu’s limping economy, and raised it as the number one state with a thumping 11.19 per cent economic growth rate. Therefore, I see a wave of support for our rule everywhere I go. Unable to criticise our good governance and transparent administration, the opposition has stooped to personal attacks and slanders. This time, too, people will ensure that they are defeated.
Q/ When Governor R.N. Ravi was transferred to West Bengal, you met him and saw him off, even though he had opposed you ideologically. You welcomed O. Panneerselvam, who was politically against you, into your side. You visited H. Raja, your constant critic, in the hospital to inquire about his health. These gestures are unusual in Tamil Nadu politics, and it might not help you politically.
I do not see anyone as an enemy. We may support or oppose a person’s political stance, but as a human being, I want to embrace everyone. The people of Tamil Nadu also prefer this political culture. Politics of embrace, harmony and brotherhood is the unique character of the Tamil people. That is what I express. There is no place for the politics of hate in Tamil Nadu.
Q/ Doesn’t the appointment of an acting governor after Ravi’s transfer diminish Tamil Nadu’s dignity?
Our policy is what our leader C.N. Annadurai said, “Why a beard for a goat, and why a governor for a nation?” However, as long as that position exists, we provide the appropriate respect. The BJP government has politicised and saffronised all constitutional positions, making the governor’s office more saffron than ever to run a parallel government in opposition-ruled states. For the BJP, there is no difference between a full-time governor and an acting governor.
Q/ It is believed that people tend to lean towards strong leaders when political parties are deprived of ideologies. What do you have to say?
As you say, movements without ideology are only in the opposition coalition. History shows us what happens to parties created for opportunism and selfishness over time. But as a symbol of how strong ideologies endure, the people are looking at the DMK, the son of the century-old dravidian movement, which is celebrating its diamond jubilee. That is why the entire country watches closely to see what the DMK says on any issue.
Q/ You say the AIADMK front is not a strong alliance. But it has its own strengths and acceptance among the people. Don’t you think the AIADMK alliance will be a challenge for you?
Half of the poll campaign is already over. Even now, it hasn’t been decided what that alliance actually is. The BJP says it is the National Democratic Alliance. Leaders like T.T.V. Dhinakaran, Anbumani [Ramadoss] and G.K. Vasan say the same. Only [Edappadi] Palaniswami says it is the AIADMK alliance. Therefore, an alliance challenge does exist—but that challenge is internal to the opposition.
Q/ You are calling your election manifesto a superstar. Why? And can the Rs8,000 purchase coupon scheme for housewives be implemented?
We do what we say. That is why the people have great faith in us and our election manifesto. The opposition parties also released manifestos, but the people didn’t take notice. The reason is that they only talk and do not act. As soon as the DMK released its manifesto, the housewife coupon scheme became the talk of the town. You ask how we will achieve this. People asked the same when we announced the women’s direct cash benefit transfer scheme. But we implemented it successfully. Today, that scheme has spread across India. Similarly, this housewife coupon scheme will also definitely be fulfilled.