File photo: Tamil Nadu CM and DMK chief MK Stalin
NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin has played down the possibility of a larger role in national politics, saying “I know my limits,” even as he exuded confidence that the DMK-led alliance will sweep the April 23 Assembly elections with over 200 seats.Recalling a similar stance taken by his father and DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi, Stalin said he remains focused on Tamil Nadu, while asserting that the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) is poised to return to power with a strong mandate across the state’s 234 constituencies.In an interview given to news agency PTI, the DMK president said that people’s “immense love and trust” in his party, built over five years of governance, would ensure the return of what he termed the “Dravidian Model 2.0 government.” Elections will be held for all 234 seats in the state.He highlighted several welfare initiatives rolled out under his tenure, including the Kalaignar Women’s Entitlement Scheme providing Rs 1,000 per month, free bus travel for women, breakfast schemes for school children, and free electricity connections for farmers.
Targets AIADMK, BJP over ‘control from Delhi’
Sharpening his attack on rivals, Stalin accused the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam of lacking “ideology or principle,” alleging that it functions under the influence of the Bharatiya Janata Party.“AIADMK lacks ideology or principles, and the Delhi BJP functions as its headquarters,” he said, defending his earlier remark calling AIADMK leaders “slaves.” He added, “How else to describe those who dance to the tunes of Delhi?”He also alleged that the BJP’s agenda was to keep minorities “in fear” and claimed the Centre was using policies like women’s reservation as a political tool.
Alliance strength and seat-sharing talks
On alliance dynamics, Stalin said seat-sharing discussions with the Indian National Congress were conducted cordially, adding that such negotiations are routine.He emphasised that the SPA has grown stronger since 2019, with more parties joining hands, and expressed confidence that the alliance would also perform strongly in neighbouring Puducherry.
Defends governance, dismisses criticism
Responding to criticism from AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami, Stalin dismissed allegations of his family being a “power centre” as “imaginary tales” aimed at diverting attention from his government’s record.On women’s safety, he said Tamil Nadu had become the “No.1 state” in India due to stricter laws, faster punishments, and initiatives such as Thozhi hostels for working women. He also cited increased awareness, encouraging victims to report crimes.Stalin further alleged that the previous AIADMK regime had failed to act on crimes against women, while his government had taken “tough action” to improve law and order.Polling in Tamil Nadu will take place on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4.