DMK to Crowdsource Public Opinion for 2026 Manifesto, Says Kanimozhi in Erode

Erode: With an eye on the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has kicked off an extensive initiative to gather public preferences for its election manifesto, signalling a strategy rooted in welfare governance and people-centric policymaking.

Addressing party workers and the public in Erode district, DMK MP Kanimozhi said Chief Minister and party president M K Stalin has directed the manifesto committee to ensure that the 2026 vision document truly reflects the aspirations, concerns, and everyday realities of the people of Tamil Nadu.

According to Kanimozhi, the manifesto committee has already begun touring various districts and engaging with citizens from diverse social and professional backgrounds to understand their expectations from the next DMK government.

“The DMK has always governed in the interest of the people. Our leader and Chief Minister has instructed US to prepare a manifesto that belongs to the people of Tamil Nadu, not one drafted behind closed doors,” she said.

‘Ungal Kanavai Sollungal’ Initiative Launched

As part of the consultation exercise, the party has rolled out the ‘Ungal Kanavai Sollungal’ (Share Your Dreams) initiative, which invites citizens to voice their ideas and hopes for the state’s future.

Kanimozhi said the outreach programme involves direct interactions with women, farmers, labourers, teachers, and other sections of society to understand their needs and grievances at the grassroots level.

“We are meeting our sisters, farmers, workers, and educators to listen to their problems and aspirations. Every suggestion will be carefully considered so that the Dravidian Model of governance continues to prioritise progress, inclusivity, and social justice,” she said.

Expressing confidence ahead of the 2026 polls, Kanimozhi said the DMK aims to return to power with a decisive mandate. “We are hopeful of winning in more than 200 constituencies and continuing to serve the people of Tamil Nadu,” she added.

Sharp Criticism of AIADMK’s Poll Promises

Kanimozhi also took a swipe at the opposition AIADMK following the release of the first phase of its electoral promises by party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami.

She accused the AIADMK of attempting to pre-empt the DMK manifesto by recycling old and unfulfilled schemes. “They are merely repeating their earlier announcements. We have already implemented the women’s entitlement scheme and are providing Rs 1,000 to women heads of households,” she said.

Referring to the AIADMK’s renewed promise of two-wheelers for women, Kanimozhi remarked, “This was announced back in 2018 when they were in power. They even invited the Prime Minister to launch it, but nothing materialised. People know the truth and will not be misled again.”

Focus on Women, Decentralisation and Governance Issues

Reiterating the DMK’s emphasis on decentralised governance, Kanimozhi said women’s issues would form a major pillar of the 2026 manifesto.

“Why wouldn’t women’s voices be reflected in the manifesto? This process has only just begun, and we will be travelling to more districts. The complete manifesto will be unveiled in due course,” she said.

She added that concerns raised by farmers and small business owners—ranging from stalled development projects to electricity tariff issues—were being actively examined. “Our Chief Minister does not accept ‘no’ as an answer. Problems inherited from the previous AIADMK regime are being resolved one by one,” she said.

On relations with the Governor, Kanimozhi said the DMK had no intention of interfering in constitutional roles but questioned the Governor’s understanding of state-specific issues. “We do not want a Governor in Tamil Nadu who lacks an understanding of the state and its people,” she remarked.

Responding to actor-politician Vijay being summoned by the CBI in the Karur stampede case, Kanimozhi alleged misuse of central agencies. “Investigative agencies are being weaponised to target genuine opposition voices,” she claimed.

Kanimozhi concluded by stating that the DMK’s 2026 campaign would continue to highlight issues of welfare, federalism, and Tamil Nadu’s rights. She asserted that the party would resist any attempt to undermine the state’s autonomy and would persist in raising these concerns both within and outside Parliament.