"CM Stalin would once again assume office": DMK's KN Nehru urges party cadres for Srirangam victory
Tiruchirappalli, April 3
Tamil Nadu Minister and DMK candidate KN Nehru on Friday intensified the party's 2026 assembly election campaign, urging the party workers to ensure a victory in Srirangam as it remains the "politically decisive" key to reclaiming power in the state.
Addressing a party meeting, Nehru, who is contesting from the Tiruchirappalli West constituency, urged cadres to secure a landslide victory for S Durairaj, the DMK's candidate for Srirangam.
"DMK president and Chief Minister MK Stalin would once again assume office. Srirangam is a politically decisive constituency; a win there has historically signalled the formation of government in Tamil Nadu. Durairaj's (DMK candidate for Srirangam assembly constituency) victory would represent not just an individual success but a collective triumph for the party leadership. I urge the cadres to secure a landslide win," he said.
Highlighting that the DMK had swept all nine constituencies in Trichy in the previous Assembly elections, he directed the party workers with a strategic roadmap for the final weeks of campaigning.
"I advise party workers to identify target voters, effectively communicate government schemes, and mobilise support across all sections of society to build a strong electoral base. The cadres should ensure a decisive win for Durairaj and help bring back the DMK government under MK Stalin," said Nehru.
The upcoming polls in Tamil Nadu will be held in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4. The election would cover a total of 234 constituencies.
DMK is contesting on 164 seats, leading the Secular Progressive Alliance against the AIADMK-led NDA in Tamil Nadu.
The main electoral contest in the State is expected between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), and the NDA led by AIADMK. However, actor-turned-politician Vijay will look to turn it into a three-way contest.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As a Tamilian living in Delhi, I hope whichever government comes focuses on development and job creation. The state has so much potential. The rhetoric is about victory, but I wish the discussion was more on their concrete plans for the next 5 years.
KN Nehru is a seasoned leader. His call to cadres is typical election strategy - motivate the workers, identify voters. DMK's sweep in Trichy last time gives them an edge, but anti-incumbency is a real factor. It won't be a walkover.
Respectfully, I feel this kind of speech assumes the voter is just a number to be mobilized. "Target voters", "secure landslide"... what about *earning* our vote through good governance? The focus should be on the people, not just the party's victory.
The DMK government has done some good work in education and social welfare. Stalin has a clean image. If they communicate their schemes effectively to the public, as Nehru says, they have a strong chance. But Vijay is the wild card! 🤔
Following Indian state elections from abroad is fascinating. The strategic importance of a single constituency deciding the fate of 234 is a unique aspect of FPTP systems. Tamil Nadu's political culture is distinct and fiercely competitive.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.