Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India]: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed confidence that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) will return to power in 2026, citing his government’s track record in social justice, economic development, and law and order.
Speaking in the State Assembly, Stalin framed the current DMK administration as “Dravidian Model government Part 1” and announced that “Version 2.0 is loading in 2026,” promising even greater achievements.
“I have faith that DMK will form the government for the seventh time, seeing the achievements and schemes we have implemented so far. In India’s electronics imports, Tamil Nadu holds a 42.2 per cent share,” he said.
In a key move promoting social equity, Stalin announced the removal of the word “Colony” from all government records—a term long seen as derogatory towards Scheduled Castes.
“This word shows oppression, a symbol of untouchability, and a curse word. Therefore, it will be completely removed from government documents and efforts will be made to eliminate it from public usage as well,” he declared, responding to a request by VCK MLA Sinthanai Selvan.
Highlighting the state’s effective policing, Stalin announced that September 6 will be celebrated annually as ‘Police Day’ in honor of police personnel’s role in maintaining law and order.
“Whenever crimes occur, action is swift and the accused are arrested. To those who criticize our law and order with malicious political intent—I say this is not Manipur, this is not Kashmir, and not like the tragic incidents in UP’s Kumbh Mela. This is Tamil Nadu,” Stalin asserted.
On the education front, he noted that Tamil Nadu has the highest number of students pursuing PhDs in the country, pointing to the state’s strong academic environment.
Describing his government’s challenges, Stalin said, “We haven’t achieved things easily. Like a snake above, foxes below, a ditch if you jump, or a compound wall if you run—we are caught between the Union Government and the Governor, amid heavy financial constraints.”
Despite these hurdles, Stalin reaffirmed his commitment to progress, suggesting that the “Dravidian Model” will only strengthen in its second term, should DMK return to power in 2026.