DMK Set to Release Manifesto as Tamil Nadu Election Campaign Gains Momentum

Chennai, March 2026 : With the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election 2026 drawing closer, Chief Minister M. K. Stalin is set to unveil the much-awaited manifesto of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Sunday, marking a significant step in the party’s campaign strategy ahead of polling.

The state will go to the polls in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4. The nomination process for the 234-member Assembly is set to begin on March 30 and will continue until April 6, a crucial window for candidates to formally enter the electoral fray.

The contest is expected to be intense, with the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) facing off against the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led in the state by the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. The presence of smaller but influential players such as Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) and actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), both contesting independently, has added a multi-cornered dimension to the electoral battle.

Seat-sharing arrangements within the DMK-led alliance reflect a broad coalition strategy. The Indian National Congress will contest 28 seats, while the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam has been allotted four seats. Other alliance partners include the Manithaneya Makkal Katchi and Kongunadu Makkal Desiya Katchi with two seats each, the Indian Union Muslim League with two seats, and the Communist Party of India and Communist Party of India (Marxist) with five seats each. The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi has been allotted eight seats, while the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam will contest 10.

In a key preparatory move, Stalin has already announced a list of 164 candidates for the DMK, signalling the party’s readiness for the upcoming electoral battle. The manifesto, expected to focus on welfare schemes, economic growth, and social development, is likely to play a crucial role in shaping voter sentiment.

Meanwhile, the AIADMK, led by former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami, has rolled out a series of populist promises, including free rice for ration card holders, financial assistance of Rs 10,000 per family, and three free LPG cylinders annually.

As campaigning gathers pace, both major alliances are gearing up to intensify outreach across the state, setting the stage for a high-stakes and closely contested election in Tamil Nadu.