Published Feb 19, 2026 | 12:17 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 19, 2026 | 12:17 PM
DMDK general secretary Premalatha Vijayakanth announced the alliance after meeting MK Stalin. (X)
Synopsis: It was earlier speculated that the DMDK would join the AIADMK-led NDA in Tamil Nadu. But the party’s general secretary Premalatha Vijayakath met MK Stalin on Thursday and announced the decision to join the SPA.
Ending speculation of allying with the NDA before the Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) sprang a surprise on Thursday, 19 February, and joined the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA).
DMDK’s move came as a shot in the arm for DMK president and Chief Minister MK Stalin, seeking a re-election, and a blow to the AIADMK-BJP combine, which has been looking forward to consolidating anti-DMK votes.
On Thursday, DMDK general secretary Premalatha Vijayakanth drove down to Anna Arivakalayam, the DMK headquarters, where she met Stalin.
“The alliance that everyone has been looking forward to has taken shape,” she told reporters after the meeting. Premalatha added that the alliance reflected the wishes of her party colleagues.
Stalin warmly welcomed DMDK and remarked that the alliance would contribute to Tamil Nadu’s progress. The partnership, he said, would reinforce the Dravidian model of governance.
He also recalled the great respect M Karunanidhi had for the late Captain Vijayakanth, DMDK founder and actor.
Meanwhile, grapevine has it that the DMK would allot the DMDK a Rajya Sabha seat from its kitty. The DMDK’s move would likely help the ruling alliance, since it has a strong vote base in key constituencies. It would also help to an extent to negate the influence of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam among the youth.
Besides the DMK, Congress, VCK, CPI, CPI(M), MDMK, Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi, IUML, Makkal Needhi Maiam, Kongunadu Makkal Desiya Katchi, Manithaneya Makkal Katchi and DMDK will now form the SPA.
