CHENNAI: DMK president MK Stalin struck a combative tone on Saturday (August 22), declaring that his party is uniquely equipped to orchestrate a political comeback and said it will focus on winning over voters across the state.
Also, he targeted Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, saying the latter is "busy changing the names of all the projects" the DMK introduced.
"He (Vijay) thinks of the Legislative Assembly as a movie set and delivers punch dialogues," Stalin said addressing DMK functionaries at the party’s executive committee meeting at Anna Arivalayam - the DMK state headquarters here.
The former CM's speech focused on a plan to reform the DMK party structure following the party's defeat in the recent April Assembly elections.
He highlighted the need for internal self-examination, implementation of age and term limits for party administrators, and the introduction of a new, transparent membership recruitment process to revitalise the movement for the future.
Speaking on the organisation's history and resilience in overcoming past losses, Stalin emphasised that the DMK's foundation extended beyond immediate political victories or defeats.
"We didn't come to politics because we were bored. We came to fight. Our movement's life is not just about success or failure. It is the habit of other parties to feel sleepy until the next election after losing one. Even as an opposition, our party is known by our rivals for working exceptionally for the people without slacking," the former CM said.
"We are specialists in making a comeback, and we will do it well," he added and appealed to the party members to focus on grassroots mobilisation.
Reflecting on his tenure as chief minister, Stalin noted that while victory called for serving those who voted against the party, an electoral defeat required an active fight for their welfare. He urged cadres to begin their political outreach from their home before expanding to the broader public.
Party workers were instructed to build support among their own children, relatives, and immediate neighbours before launching public campaigns. "First, campaign among your children and relatives. Before going out to campaign, you must secure the votes within your house, from your relatives, and from those in your neighborhood," he advised.
"Last time, after we won, I said we would provide good governance for those who did not vote for us as well; we must prove that through our actions. Now, after losing the election, I am telling you that we are going to fight for the people who did not vote for us. We are going to stand by them for their welfare," he said.
He criticised the chief minister, alleging that Vijay was "busy changing the names of all the projects we introduced. He thinks of the Legislative Assembly as a movie set and delivers punch dialogues. As far as we are concerned, whether in victory or defeat, we are people who are intertwined with the everyday lives of the public."
He appealed to the party workers to enroll new members willing to work under the party's principles and flag, honouring the legacy of founders C N Annadurai and M Karunanidhi.