The meeting focused on key strategic issues such as organisational restructuring, laying the groundwork for the 2026 elections, and passing resolutions that reinforced the party’s core ideological and political commitments
Published Jun 01, 2025 | 3:03 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 01, 2025 | 3:03 PM
DMK holds key general council meet in Madurai (DMK on X)
Synopsis: In a break from tradition, the DMK held its General Council meeting in Madurai on 1 June—the first outside Chennai since 2011. Over 6,500 functionaries attended the session, which focused on organisational changes and 2026 election preparations. Of the 27 resolutions passed, several praised Chief Minister MK Stalin’s leadership and highlighted the achievements of the DMK-led government
In a significant departure from tradition, the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) held its General Council meeting in Uthangudi, Madurai, on Sunday, 1 June, marking the first such gathering outside Chennai since 2011.
The high-profile event witnessed the participation of over 6,500 party functionaries, including General Council members, special invitees, and office-bearers from various wings of the party.
The shift to Madurai underscores the DMK’s effort to bolster its presence in southern Tamil Nadu ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
The meeting revolved around critical strategic discussions, including organisational restructuring, campaign groundwork for the 2026 polls, and resolutions reaffirming the party’s ideological and political positions.
Among the 27 resolutions passed, several hailed the achievements of the DMK-led government, particularly under Chief Minister MK Stalin’s leadership.
The party called for 3 June, the birth anniversary of late leader M Karunanidhi, to be celebrated as “Classical Tamil Day” across the state. Stalin was lauded as the “people’s choice” and a symbol of electoral success.
Reiterating its commitment to the “Dravidian Model” of governance, the party celebrated policies aimed at empowering women, farmers, weavers, and fishermen.
The DMK also voiced strong support for Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, describing him as the “hope for Tamil Nadu’s future.”
The Council condemned the Union government for several reasons, including:
It also urged the Reserve Bank of India to lift restrictions on gold loans, which it claimed were hurting the poor and underprivileged.
Resolutions stressed the importance of state autonomy, demanding the restoration of education to the State List and swift action on a caste-based census.
The party opposed any delimitation of constituencies based solely on population, warning it would reduce Tamil Nadu’s voice in Parliament.
The Council also celebrated a Supreme Court verdict curtailing the powers of Governors, attributing the victory to MK Stalin’s legal and political efforts.
As a final note, the DMK called for immediate groundwork to “drive out the deceitful BJP and the treacherous AIADMK” in the 2026 Assembly elections. It pledged to continue delivering welfare schemes and maintaining Tamil Nadu’s distinct identity and rights within the Indian Union.
With the Madurai meeting setting the tone, the DMK appears to be sharpening its focus on regional pride, federal autonomy, and electoral preparedness in its battle for a third consecutive term.
(Edited by Ananya Rao with inputs from Subash Chandra Bose)
