The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), founded on 17 September 1949, by C. N. Annadurai, is a significant political force in Tamil Nadu, India. Originating from the Dravidar Kazhagam led by E. V. Ramasami (Periyar), the DMK made history under Annadurai by becoming the first party, other than the Indian National Congress, to secure a clear majority in state-level elections on its own in 1967.
After Annadurai's demise in 1969, M. Karunanidhi (Kalaignar) assumed the party's presidency and went on to serve as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for five non-consecutive terms. Both Annadurai and Karunanidhi have been instrumental in shaping the state's political landscape.
The DMK is rooted in Dravidianism, Tamil nationalism, regionalism, social democracy, secularism, and social justice, positioning itself from the center-left to the left-wing spectrum. Its symbol, The Rising Sun, represents its political ideology.
In terms of electoral performance, the DMK has consistently participated in Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections. Presently, the party holds 23 Lok Sabha seats, 10 Rajya Sabha seats, 132 seats in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, and 6 seats in the Puducherry Legislative Assembly.
Currently, the DMK is the ruling party in Tamil Nadu, having emerged victorious in the 2021 state election. It stands as one of the dominant political entities in Tamil Nadu, alongside the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam has approached the Election Commission against Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam leaders over alleged violations of the model code of conduct ahead of upcoming by-polls in Tamil Nadu. DMK MP Constantine Ravindran lodged the complaint against Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and Minister Udhayanidhi regarding remarks made during election campaigning in Madurantakam. The complaint states that the TVK leaders referenced an ongoing Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act case involving granite baron R. Veeramani, allegedly defying directions and an injunction previously issued by the Madras High Court. The court had instructed that sensitive matters involving heinous crimes and ongoing investigations should not be politicised or reported carelessly during electioneering. The DMK MP flagged the campaign speeches to the poll panel, alleging that the leaders contravened electoral guidelines by bringing up the matter during public rallies.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay launched a fierce counter-attack against the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) during a political address ahead of upcoming by-elections. Addressing sustained attacks and criticism from the principal opposition party, Vijay defended his administration's governance and welfare delivery, asserting that borrowing was undertaken exclusively for public welfare rather than corruption. Directly challenging former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and the DMK leadership over past corruption inquiries, including the Sarkaria Commission, Vijay declared that his government represents the people. He contrasted his welfare schemes—such as fare-free bus travel and power initiatives—with the DMK's governance record, underlining that the electoral contest in Tamil Nadu remains squarely between his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), and the DMK.
A reported rift within the Election Commission has triggered a political showdown, with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam demanding that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar step down. DMK chief MK Stalin questioned the Special Intensive Revision exercise, alleging that over one lakh votes were deleted from the Kolathur seat. The party claims that the voter deletions impacted the election outcome, calling the process a conspiracy as opposition parties raise concerns over the conduct of recent polls.
A political confrontation has escalated between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam over remarks regarding former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi and the Maintenance of Internal Security Act detention legacy of M.K. Stalin. DMK legislators have submitted a breach of privilege notice to the Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker against Minister CTR Nirmal Kumar, accusing him of providing false information in the House. The development follows controversy over comments questioning the nature of Stalin's detention during the Emergency. Several DMK leaders also face legal action for making retaliatory derogatory remarks during the ongoing political war of words.
A political controversy has erupted in Tamil Nadu following DMK leader RS Bharathi's remarks mocking Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam chief and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay's Prime Ministerial ambitions for 2029. Terming the pitch by TVK leaders as the heights of imagination, the DMK suggested that Vijay might next claim leadership of the United Nations. The DMK also questioned the Congress party, urging it to clarify its position on the Prime Ministerial candidate and asking whether it would accept Vijay or continue supporting Rahul Gandhi for 2029. Meanwhile, Congress leaders have reiterated that Rahul Gandhi remains their choice for the Prime Minister's post, pointing out that commanding the support of 272 MPs is essential to lead the country. The discussion follows the latest India Today C Voter Mood of the Nation poll results, which place Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the lead with 49% support, followed by Rahul Gandhi at 27%, and Vijay debuting in third position with 9% support.
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Member of Parliament Dayanidhi Maran has written an urgent letter to External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, seeking the intervention of the Union Government for the rescue and safe repatriation of Indian tourists stranded during flash floods in Nepal. Maran stated that nearly 50 tourists from Tamil Nadu remain missing amid disruptions to communication and transportation networks, causing severe anxiety among their families. He urged the Ministry of External Affairs and the Embassy of India to deploy rescue teams and ensure safe passage for stranded citizens. Meanwhile, Nepal's foreign minister and researchers suggest that a 4.4 magnitude earthquake on the Richter scale, occurring 47 kilometers from the Nepal border in the Tibet region at 8:22 AM, may have triggered the sudden flash floods reported minutes later across regions including Rasuwa.
A political conflict has intensified between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) over corruption allegations. The row stems from statements made in the assembly where Chief Minister Vijay claimed to hold three pending corruption files. Responding to the remarks, opposition leader Udhayanidhi Stalin challenged the Chief Minister to reveal the files rather than issuing cinematic dialogues. Senior DMK leader Duraimurugan weighed in on the controversy, giving permission to open the documents while stating that the opposition should move a privilege motion if the Chief Minister provided incorrect information inside the house.
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has announced a boycott of the Tamil Nadu government's proposal to provide new official vehicles to members of the legislative assembly (MLAs). Opposition Leader Udayanidhi Stalin stated in the assembly that under the leadership of Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin, all 59 DMK legislators will refuse the cars. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay announced the scheme under which 234 legislators were to receive a government car, along with a monthly allowance of 75,000 rupees for driver, fuel, and maintenance expenses, as well as assistance to hire a secretary. The Chief Minister justified the decision stating that first-time MLAs from humble backgrounds require logistical support for constituency work and transparent governance. The announcement followed a request by VCK legislator Jothimani regarding lack of transport support. However, the DMK rejected the initiative, maintaining that its elected representatives will not utilize these government-provided vehicle allowances and privileges.
The DMK has targeted the newly formed Vijay government over the deteriorating law and order situation in Tamil Nadu. The opposition party highlighted a recent crime spree, stating that the government has been given ample time to act.
The political situation in Tamil Nadu remains unresolved as Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam leader Vijay struggles to reach the majority mark of 118 seats to form the government. Currently holding 116 signatures, the TVK requires the support of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, which has two MLAs.
In an exclusive interview with India Today, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram talked about the rise of Vijay and his party TVK in Tamil Nadu, why Congress is backing TVK and the future of the INDIA bloc after a DMK leader said it's over.
Following the recent assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, a major political shift is underway as archrivals DMK and AIADMK are reportedly holding talks to form a post-poll alliance.
The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay has been chosen as the legislative assembly leader by the party in Tamil Nadu.
As Tamil Nadu prepares for polling, Chennai reports a significant influx of voters returning to participate in the electoral process.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Mallikarjun Kharge, the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and urged him to support the upcoming Amendment Bill aimed at operationalising the Women's Reservation Act, describing it as a collective responsibility for women's empowerment.
In an exclusive interview with India Today during the campaign trail in Dindigul, DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi discusses the party's vision for the upcoming elections and defends its welfare schemes.
Tamil Nadu's politics is deeply rooted in Dravidianism, shaped by iconic leaders who defined generations. The political landscape began with Periyar's social justice movement in the 1930s, followed by CN Annadurai who formed the DMK in 1949 and brought Tamil identity into governance after the 1967 victory.
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has officially released its new campaign song ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, focusing on grassroots mobilisation and the leadership of Chief Minister MK Stalin.
On this India Today special report, anchor Akshita Nandagopal discusses the escalating war of words between the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu. The report highlights a significant claim made by TVK leader Nirmal Kumar, who stated, 'Chennai has transformed from a DMK stronghold into a TVK bastion over the past three years.' The TVK leadership suggests that the DMK's long-standing dominance in the state capital is fading due to a growing support base among the urban youth and suburban voters for TVK chief Vijay. The discussion further explores the possibility of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin or Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin being forced to seek safer constituencies in future elections. While Chennai has historically been a DMK fortress, the emergence of TVK as a political challenger marks a potential shift in the state's political dynamics ahead of the upcoming polls.
On this Special Report, India Today reporter Anagha Keshav provides exclusive details on the high-level talks between the DMK and the Congress party ahead of the elections in Tamil Nadu. According to the scoop, the DMK has firmly rejected the Congress party's demand for power sharing and cabinet berths, with Anagha Keshav noting that 'Kanimozhi has made it very, very clear that the DMK is not going to be sharing power with them.' The report highlights that despite this refusal, Rahul Gandhi has indicated that the alliance will continue. The DMK's stance is rooted in its philosophy of maintaining a single-party rule at the state level. While the cordial discussions between Rahul Gandhi and Kanimozhi clarified the DMK's position, the final decision on the exact number of seats for the alliance will be concluded through direct communication between Chief Minister MK Stalin and Rahul Gandhi.
