CHENNAI: Leaders of the DMK alliance in Tamil Nadu used their New Year greetings on Wednesday to underline the need to protect democratic institutions, federalism and secularism, while calling for political change in the upcoming Assembly elections.

TNCC president K Selvaperunthagai said the BJP-led Union government had weakened parliamentary democracy by denying debates on unemployment, price rise and farmers’ issues.

He said INDI alliance MPs were forced to protest inside Parliament and expressed hope that efforts led by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi would resolve people’s hardships in 2026.

MDMK general secretary Vaiko said 2026 would usher in “surprising and joyful” political changes.

Accusing the Union government of betraying Tamil Nadu on river disputes and advancing Hindutva-driven policies, he appealed to voters to ensure victory for the DMK-led coalition in the State elections.

CPM state secretary P Shanmugam said the past year recorded widespread people’s struggles globally against inequality and war.

Alleging that the Union government was attacking secularism, democracy and federalism, he said strong resistance was needed to counter “undeclared war” on people’s rights. He pointed to a nationwide general strike planned by trade unions and farmers on February 12.

Extending greetings, CPI state secretary M Veerapandian said 2026 must bring peace globally and harmony in India. He urged united action to defeat what he described as fascist threats and said victory for democratic and progressive forces in the Assembly election was vital for safeguarding constitutional values and labour rights.