Chennai: Leader of the Opposition and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has stated that the current government, led by the Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), is already attracting criticism, falling short of the six-month period the opposition had initially pledged to refrain from political attacks. Speaking at an event where former Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) MLA Panaiyur Babu joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Stalin expressed concerns about the government’s early performance.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Stalin remarked, “When this government came to power, we said we would refrain from criticism for six months. But even before that period has ended, developments have emerged that warrant discussion. People are already talking about it.” He further added, “The situation is such that many are wondering whether this government can last even three months, let alone five or six months.”
This marks the second significant public critique from Stalin since C. Joseph Vijay assumed the chief minister’s office. Earlier in May, Stalin had commented that the TVK party had ascended to power largely through social media platforms like Instagram, suggesting a lack of a strong organizational foundation.
The DMK has reportedly commenced preparations for the 2026 Assembly elections. This includes appointing booth-level agents, enlisting members through the “Ondrinaivom Vaa” campaign, conducting Youth Wing regional conferences, and assigning constituency in-charges. Stalin noted the DMK’s extensive groundwork, stating, “We carried out all this groundwork. Yet we could not come to power. They did not meet voters, appoint booth agents, or even counting agents in many places. Still, they won and formed the government.”
Political discourse in Tamil Nadu has intensified following the recent Assembly elections, with the TVK emerging as the single largest party. Initially, the DMK had indicated a period of non-interference, with Stalin stating that his party would “not disturb” the new government for the first six months. However, recent statements suggest a shift in this stance, with Stalin now publicly questioning the government’s stability and performance just weeks after its formation.
Stalin’s remarks come amid a backdrop of political realignments. The Congress party, which was part of the DMK-led alliance, has announced conditional support to a TVK-led government, drawing sharp criticism from Stalin. He accused the Congress of abandoning the alliance and not even visiting the DMK headquarters after the election results. In contrast, Stalin acknowledged the Left parties and the VCK for maintaining ties with the DMK.
Stalin also referenced past events, including the controversial remarks made by his son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, regarding ‘Sanatana Dharma’, which had sparked nationwide debate. He also alluded to the Karur stampede during a rally in 2025, which resulted in multiple fatalities.
Furthermore, Stalin has previously criticized the Union government’s alleged neglect of Tamil Nadu in the Union Budget, highlighting the absence of election-year funding allocations. He has also accused the BJP-led Union government of political discrimination and undermining federalism.
The political landscape in Tamil Nadu is evolving rapidly, with the DMK, as the principal opposition, closely observing and commenting on the actions of the newly formed TVK government.
The Chenab Times News Desk