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{{Short description|Political party in India}}
{{Short description|Political party in India}}
{{Distinguish|All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}
{{pp-extended|small=yes}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2021}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}
{{Infobox Indian Political Party
{{Infobox Indian Political Party
| name              =  Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
| name              =  Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
| native_name        = <!-- No native name as per [[WP:NOINDICSCRIPTS]] -->
| native_name        = &lt;!-- No native name as per [[WP:NOINDICSCRIPTS]] --&gt;
| colorcode          = {{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}
| colorcode          = {{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}
| logo              = Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam logo.png
| logo              = Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam logo.png
| abbreviation      = DMK
| abbreviation      = DMK
| president          = [[M. K. Stalin ]]<br />{{small|([[Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu|CM of Tamil Nadu]])}}
| president          = [[M. K. Stalin]]
| ppchairman        = [[T. R. Baalu]]
| general_secretary  = [[Duraimurugan]]
| general_secretary  = [[Durai Murugan]] <br />{{small|([[M. K. Stalin Ministry|Water Resources Minister of Tamil Nadu]])}}
| founder            = [[C. N. Annadurai]]
| secretary          =
| ppchairman        = [[Kanimozhi Karunanidhi]]
| loksabha_leader    = [[T. R. Baalu]]
| loksabha_leader    = [[T. R. Baalu]]
| rajyasabha_leader  = [[Tiruchi Siva]]
| rajyasabha_leader  = [[Tiruchi Siva]]
| founder            = [[C. N. Annadurai]] <br />{{small|(Former [[Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu|CM of Tamil Nadu]])}}
| foundation        = {{Start date and age|df=yes|p=y|1949|09|17}}
| foundation        = {{Start date and years ago|df=yes|p=y|1949|09|17}}
| loksabha_seats    = {{Composition bar|22|543|hex={{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| loksabha_seats    = {{Composition bar|24|543|hex={{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| rajyasabha_seats  = {{Composition bar|10|245|hex={{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| rajyasabha_seats  = {{Composition bar|10|245|hex={{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
|state_seats_name = [[State Legislative Assembly (India)|State Legislative Assemblies]]
| state_seats_name = [[State Legislative Assembly (India)|State Legislative Assemblies]]
|state_seats     = {{Composition bar|139|4036|hex={{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}} {{hidden
| state_seats       = {{Show
|Indian states
| List
|headerstyle=background:#ccccff
| headerstyle=background:#ccccff
|style=text-align:center;  
| style=text-align:center;  
|
|
{{Composition bar|133|234|hex={{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
{{Composition bar|133|234|hex={{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}} {{small|([[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly|Tamil Nadu]])}} &lt;br/&gt;
([[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly]])  
{{Composition bar|6|30|hex={{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}} {{small|([[Puducherry Legislative Assembly|Puducherry]])}}
{{Composition bar|6|33|hex={{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}
}} <small>([[Puducherry Legislative Assembly]])</small>
}}
}}
| no_states          = {{Composition bar|1|31|hex={{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| no_states          = {{Composition bar|1|31|hex={{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| colours            = {{coloursample|Black}} [[Black]]<br />{{coloursample|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}} [[Red]]
| membership        =  
| membership        =
| eci                = [[List of political parties in India#State parties|State Party]]&lt;ref&gt;{{cite web|title=List of Political Parties and Election Symbols main Notification Dated 18.01.2013|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/ElectoralLaws/OrdersNotifications/ElecSym19012013_eng.pdf|publisher=Election Commission of India|access-date=9 May 2013|location=India|year=2013}}&lt;/ref&gt;
| eci                = [[List of political parties in India#State parties|State Party]]<ref>{{cite web|title=List of Political Parties and Election Symbols main Notification Dated 18.01.2013|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/ElectoralLaws/OrdersNotifications/ElecSym19012013_eng.pdf|publisher=Election Commission of India|access-date=9 May 2013|location=India|year=2013}}</ref>
| alliance         = * '''National Alliance'''&lt;br /&gt;[[Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance|INDIA]] (since 2023)  
| alliance           = {{hidden
* '''Regional Alliances'''&lt;br/&gt;[[Secular Progressive Alliance|SPA]] ([[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Puducherry (union territory)|Puducherry]])
|Alliances
{{hidden|Former Alliances|
|headerstyle=background:#eeeeee
*[[United Progressive Alliance|UPA]] (2004–2013, 2016–2023) ''&lt;small&gt;(till dissolved)&lt;/small&gt;'') (National)
|style=text-align:left;
* [[Democratic Progressive Alliance]] &lt;br/&gt; (2006-2019)
|
* [[DMK-led Alliance]] (1967-2006) ''&lt;small&gt;(till dissolved)&lt;/small&gt;'') (Tamil Nadu)
1) '''DMK Alliance''' : (1957–1967) (1967–1971 DMK Party First Wining Period), (1971–1980), (1982–1984), (1996–1999) ([[Democratic Progressive Alliance|DPA]]) : (2006–2009) & (2013–2016) ([[Secular Progressive Alliance|SPA]]) : (2021–Present)<br>'''Central Party Alliance'''<br>2) '''[[Indian National Congress|Congress Party Alliance]]''' : (1971–1976 Central Alliance) & (1980–1982) ([[United Progressive Alliance (India)|UPA]]) : (2004–2013) & (2016–Continue Alliance)<br>3) '''[[Janata Party|Janata Party Alliance]]''' : (1977–1980 Central Alliance) & (1984–1988)<br>4) '''[[Janata Dal|Janata Dal Alliance]]'''<br>[[National Front (India)|NF]] : (1988–1996)<br>[[United Front (India)|UF]] : (1996–1998 Central Alliance)<br>5) '''[[Bharatiya Janata Party]]''' – ([[National Democratic Alliance (India)|NDA]]) : (1999–2004)}}
* [[Indian National Congress|INC]]-DMK alliance ( 1971-1974; 1980-1983) (Tamil Nadu)
* [[Janata Party|Janata Alliance]] (1977-1980; 1984-1989) (Tamil Nadu)
* [[National Democratic Alliance]] &lt;br/&gt; (1999-2003) (India)
* [[National Front (India)|National Front]]&lt;br/&gt; (1989-1991) (India)  
* [[United Front (India, 1996)|United Front]] &lt;br/&gt; (1996-1998) (India)}}
| ideology          = {{ubl|class=nowrap|
| ideology          = {{ubl|class=nowrap|
  |[[Social democracy]]<ref name="dmk1"/>
  |[[Dravidianism]]{{Sfn|Palanithurai|1997|pp=21–22}}&lt;br&gt;[[Tamil nationalism]]&lt;ref&gt;Hardgrave, Robert L. "The DMK and the Politics of Tamil Nationalism." Pacific Affairs, vol. 37, no. 4, 1964, pp. 396–411. JSTOR, {{doi|10.2307/2755132}}. Accessed 6 Jun. 2022.&lt;/ref&gt;
  |[[Dravidian parties|Dravidianism]]<ref name="Palani"/>
  |[[Regionalism (politics)|Regionalism]]&lt;ref name="DMK's regionalism"&gt;{{Cite news|url=https://arunachaltimes.in/index.php/2023/03/07/regionalism-raises-ugly-head/|work=Arunachal Times|title=DMK has regionalism ideals}}&lt;/ref&gt;&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |title=Regionalism, Parties and India's emerging Politics {{!}} Heinrich Böll Stiftung |url=https://www.boell.de/en/2014/02/26/regionalism-parties-and-indias-emerging-politics |access-date=2023-05-17 |website=Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung |language=en}}&lt;/ref&gt;&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |title=Politics as family enterprise: Nationalist rhythm of BJP is challenge to regionalism |url=https://www.wionews.com/opinions/politics-as-family-enterprise-nationalist-rhythm-of-bjp-is-challenge-to-regionalism-249936 |access-date=2023-05-17 |website=WION |date=16 September 2019 |language=en-us}}&lt;/ref&gt;
|[[Social justice]]<ref name="dmk1">
|[[Social democracy]]&lt;ref name="dmk1"/&gt;&lt;br&gt;[[Progressivism]]&lt;ref name="dmk1"&gt;
* {{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/m-karunanidhi-from-health-care-to-community-living-his-schemes-were-aimed-at-social-equality/article24548812.ece|title=M. Karunanidhi: From health care to community living, his schemes were aimed at social equality|last=Kannan|first=Ramya|date=8 August 2018|work=The Hindu|access-date=10 August 2019|issn=0971-751X}}
* {{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/m-karunanidhi-from-health-care-to-community-living-his-schemes-were-aimed-at-social-equality/article24548812.ece|title=M. Karunanidhi: From health care to community living, his schemes were aimed at social equality|last=Kannan|first=Ramya|date=8 August 2018|work=The Hindu|access-date=10 August 2019|issn=0971-751X}}
* {{Cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/karunanidhi-the-social-reformer-who-changed-the-landcape-of-tamil-nadu-politics-1837827.html|title=Social Equality was Karunanidhi's Focus During Five Terms as Tamil Nadu CM|website=News18|date=11 March 2019|access-date=10 August 2019}}</ref>}}  
* {{Cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/karunanidhi-the-social-reformer-who-changed-the-landcape-of-tamil-nadu-politics-1837827.html|title=Social Equality was Karunanidhi's Focus During Five Terms as Tamil Nadu CM|website=News18|date=11 March 2019|access-date=10 August 2019}}&lt;/ref&gt;
| position          =  
|[[Secularism]]&lt;ref name="DMK has secular ideals: CM Stalin"&gt;{{Cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2022/may/05/dmk-has-secular-ideals-cm-stalin-2449889.html|work=[[Indian Express]]|title=DMK has secular ideals: CM Stalin}}&lt;/ref&gt;
| predecessor        = * [[Justice Party (India)|Justice Party]] (1917–1944)<br>
}}  
* [[Dravidar Kazhagam]] (1944–1949)
| position          = [[Centre-left politics|Centre-left]]&lt;ref&gt;{{cite web|url=https://www.dmk.in/en/party/ideology/|title=Ideology of DMK|publisher=DMK|access-date=16 March 2026}}&lt;/ref&gt;&lt;ref&gt;{{cite web|url=https://www.thestatesman.com/india/in-the-dravidian-heartland-a-statue-for-marx-in-the-heart-of-chennai-stalin-keeps-the-red-in-good-humour-1503552390.html|title=In the Dravidian heartland, a statue for Marx in the heart of Chennai: Stalin keeps the red in good humour|publisher=The Statesman|date=|access-date=16 March 2026}}&lt;/ref&gt;
| predecessor        = [[Justice Party (India)|Justice Party]] (1917–1944)&lt;br /&gt;[[Dravidar Kazhagam]]&lt;br /&gt;(1944–1949)
| split              = [[Dravidar Kazhagam]]
| split              = [[Dravidar Kazhagam]]
| publication        =  ''[[Murasoli (India)|Murasoli]]'' {{small|(Daily journal)}} <br />''The Rising Sun'' {{small|(Weekly journal)}} <br/>''[[Kalaignar TV]]'' {{small|(Television channel)}}
| labour            = [[Labour Progressive Federation]] (LPF)
| labour            = [[Labour Progressive Federation]] (LPF)
| youth              = DMK Ilaignar Ani
| youth              = Ilaignar Ani
| students          = DMK Manavar Ani  
| students          = Maanavar Ani
| women              = DMK Magalir Ani
| women              = Magalir Ani
| headquarters      = Anna Arivalayam,<br />367 & 369, [[Anna Salai]], [[Teynampet]],&nbsp;[[Chennai]]&nbsp;-&nbsp;600018, [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]]  
| headquarters      = Anna Arivalayam,&lt;br /&gt;367–369, [[Anna Salai]], [[Teynampet]],&amp;nbsp;[[Chennai]]&amp;nbsp;-&amp;nbsp;600018, [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]]
| website            = {{Official url}}
| website            = {{Official URL}}
| symbol            = [[File:Indian election symbol rising sun.svg|120px|Rising Sun]]
| symbol            = [[File:Indian election symbol rising sun.svg|120px]]&lt;br /&gt;Rising Sun
| flag              = Flag DMK.svg
| flag              = Flag DMK.svg
|treasurer=[[T.R.Baalu]] <br />{{small|(Former [[First Manmohan Singh Ministry|Union Minister for Surface Transport]])}}}}
|treasurer=[[T. R. Baalu]]}}
{{Dravidian politics-col}}
{{Dravidian politics-col}}
The '''Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam''' ({{Translation|Dravidian Progressive Federation}}, '''DMK''') is a political party based in the state of [[Tamil Nadu]] where it is currently the full-majority ruling party and the union territory of [[Puducherry (union territory)|Puducherry]] where it is currently the main opposition.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/topic/dmk|title=Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)|work=Business Standard India|access-date=10 August 2019}}</ref>
The '''Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam''' ({{IPA|ta|t̪iɾaːʋiɖɐ munːeːtrɐk kɐɻɐɡɐm}}; {{translation|Dravidian Progressive Federation}};{{Sfn|Rubinoff|1997|p=2829}} {{small|abbr.}} '''DMK''') is an Indian [[Secularism|secular]] [[Progressivism|progressive]] political party based in the state of [[Tamil Nadu]], where it is currently the ruling party, and the union territory of [[Puducherry (union territory)|Puducherry]], where it is currently the main opposition.&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/topic/dmk|title=Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)|work=Business Standard India|access-date=10 August 2019}}&lt;/ref&gt;


It is also one of the two main political parties in Tamil Nadu, along with the rival [[All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]]. Since the [[2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2021 state election]], it has been the ruling party of Tamil Nadu.
The DMK was founded on 17 September 1949 by [[C. N. Annadurai]] as a breakaway faction from the [[Dravidar Kazhagam]], headed by [[Periyar]].&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/september-which-split-dravidians-periyar-weds-maniyammai-dmk-born-49850|title=September which split Dravidians, Periyar weds Maniyammai|website=thenewsminute.com|date=14 September 2016|access-date=10 August 2019}}&lt;/ref&gt;&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/periyar-and-anna-conflict-over-electoral-politics-88609|title=Periyar and Anna conflict over electoral politics|website=newsminute.com|date=19 September 2018|access-date=10 August 2019}}&lt;/ref&gt;&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web|url=https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/governance/karunanidhi-administrator-par-excellence-61343|title=Karunanidhi: Administrator par excellence|website=downtoearth.org.in|date=8 August 2018 |access-date=10 August 2019}}&lt;/ref&gt; The DMK was headed by Annadurai as the general secretary from 1949 until his death on 4 February 1969.&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite news|url=https://www.mapsofindia.com/on-this-day/3-february-1969-c.-n.-annadurai-chief-minister-of-tamil-nadu-died|title=3 February 1969: C. N. Annadurai, chief minister of Tamil Nadu, died|newspaper=What Happened on This Day in History – Maps of India|date=3 February 2014 |access-date=10 August 2019}}&lt;/ref&gt; He also served as the [[chief minister of Tamil Nadu]] from 1967 to 1969. Under Annadurai, in 1967 the DMK became the first party other than the [[Indian National Congress]] to win state-level elections with a clear majority on its own in India. [[M. Karunanidhi]] followed Annadurai as the first president of the party from 1969 until his death on 7 August 2018.&lt;ref name=":0"&gt;{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/m-karunanidhi-former-tamil-nadu-chief-minister-passes-away/article24624474.ece|title=M Karunanidhi passes away|website=@businessline|date=7 August 2018 |access-date=10 August 2019}}&lt;/ref&gt; He also served as the chief minister for five non-consecutive terms, in two of which he was dismissed by the Union government.&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/m-karunanidhi-the-five-term-chief-minister/article24548707.ece/photo/1/|title=In pictures: M. Karunanidhi, the five-term Chief Minister|date=7 August 2018|work=The Hindu|access-date=10 August 2019|issn=0971-751X}}&lt;/ref&gt; After Karunanidhi's death, his son and former deputy, [[M. K. Stalin]], succeeded as the party president and as a chief minister of Tamil Nadu from May 2021.&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/Politics/64bKrVFUe0Xoz5qSVbq1tO/Karunanidhi-appoints-Stalin-as-Tamil-Nadu-deputy-CM.html|title=Karunanidhi appoints Stalin as Tamil Nadu deputy CM|date=29 May 2009|website=Mint|access-date=10 August 2019}}&lt;/ref&gt;
The DMK was founded in 1949 by [[C. N. Annadurai]] as a breakaway faction from the [[Dravidar Kazhagam]] (also known as [[Justice Party (India)|Justice Party]] until 1944), which was headed by [[Periyar E. V. Ramasamy]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/september-which-split-dravidians-periyar-weds-maniyammai-dmk-born-49850|title=September which split Dravidians, Periyar weds Maniyammai|website=thenewsminute.com|date=14 September 2016|access-date=10 August 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/periyar-and-anna-conflict-over-electoral-politics-88609|title=Periyar and Anna conflict over electoral politics|website=newsminute.com|date=19 September 2018|access-date=10 August 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/governance/karunanidhi-administrator-par-excellence-61343|title=Karunanidhi: Administrator par excellence|website=downtoearth.org.in|access-date=10 August 2019}}</ref> It was headed by Annadurai (as the Secretary-General) from 1949 until his death on 3 February 1969.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mapsofindia.com/on-this-day/3-february-1969-c.-n.-annadurai-chief-minister-of-tamil-nadu-died|title=3 February 1969: C. N. Annadurai, chief minister of Tamil Nadu, died|website=mapsofindia.com|access-date=10 August 2019}}</ref> He also served as the [[chief minister of Tamil Nadu]] from 1967 to 1969. Under Annadurai, in 1967, DMK became the first party, other than the [[Indian National Congress]], to win the state-level elections with a clear majority on its own in any state in India. [[M. Karunanidhi]] followed Annadurai as the first president of the party from 1969 until his death on 7 August 2018.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/m-karunanidhi-former-tamil-nadu-chief-minister-passes-away/article24624474.ece|title=M Karunanidhi passes away|website=@businessline|access-date=10 August 2019}}</ref> He also served as the Chief Minister for five non-consecutive terms, in two of which he was dismissed by the central government.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/m-karunanidhi-the-five-term-chief-minister/article24548707.ece/photo/1/|title=In pictures: M. Karunanidhi, the five-term Chief Minister|date=7 August 2018|work=The Hindu|access-date=10 August 2019|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> After Karunanidhi's death, his son and former deputy, [[M. K. Stalin]], succeeded as the party president.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/Politics/64bKrVFUe0Xoz5qSVbq1tO/Karunanidhi-appoints-Stalin-as-Tamil-Nadu-deputy-CM.html|title=Karunanidhi appoints Stalin as Tamil Nadu deputy CM|date=29 May 2009|website=Mint|access-date=10 August 2019}}</ref>


At the federal level, the DMK is part of the [[United Progressive Alliance]] and is the third-largest party in the [[Lok Sabha]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Charismatic leaders missing, major TN parties rely on election strategists|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/tamil-nadu/charismatic-leaders-missing-major-tn-parties-rely-on-election-strategists/story-e5iYPyuYw7QzCNL5tnjRKJ.html|date=2019-09-08|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref> It currently holds 125 seats in the [[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly]], and the DMK-led [[Secular Progressive Alliance]] holds 159.
The DMK became the fifth-largest party in the [[Lok Sabha]] after the [[2024 Indian general election]].&lt;ref&gt;{{Citation |title=Lok Sabha |date=2025-02-16 |work=Wikipedia |url=https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lok_Sabha |access-date=2025-02-18 |language=en}}&lt;/ref&gt; It currently holds 126 seats in the [[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly]], where the DMK-led [[Secular Progressive Alliance]] holds 159 out of 234 seats.&lt;ref name=":1"&gt;{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2021-05-03 |title=Assembly election 2021: DMK almost swept entire Tamil Nadu; western region went with AIADMK |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/elections/tamil-nadu/assembly-election-2021-dmk-almost-swept-entire-tamil-nadu-western-region-went-with-aiadmk-981984.html |access-date=2024-06-25 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}&lt;/ref&gt;


== History ==
== History ==


=== Origins and foundation ===
=== Origins and foundation ===
The DMK traces its roots to the South Indian Liberal Federation ([[Justice Party (India)|Justice Party]]) founded by Dr [[C. Natesa Mudaliar]] in 1916, in the presence of [[P. Theagaraya Chetty]], [[P. T. Rajan]], [[T. M. Nair]], [[Arcot Ramasamy Mudaliar]] and a few others in [[Victoria Public Hall]] [[Madras Presidency]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/100-years-justice-party-movement-which-defined-tamil-nadu-politics-53163|title = 100 years of Justice Party, a movement which defined Tamil Nadu politics|date = 20 November 2016}}</ref> The Justice Party, whose objectives included social equality and justice, came to power in the first general elections to the [[Madras Presidency]] in 1920.<ref>{{cite book
[[File:India - Madurai - 039 (1887104659).jpg|thumb|Party flags in [[Madurai]], [[Tamil Nadu]]|300px]]
| last = Radhan
DMK traces its roots to the [[Justice Party (India)|Justice Party]] founded by [[C. Natesa Mudaliar]] in 1916, in the presence of [[P. Theagaraya Chetty]], [[P. T. Rajan]], [[T. M. Nair]], [[Arcot Ramasamy Mudaliar]] and a few others in [[Victoria Public Hall]] [[Madras Presidency]].&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/100-years-justice-party-movement-which-defined-tamil-nadu-politics-53163|title = 100 years of Justice Party, a movement which defined Tamil Nadu politics|date = 20 November 2016}}&lt;/ref&gt; The Justice Party, whose objectives included social equality and justice, came to power in the first general elections to the [[Madras Presidency]] in 1920.{{Sfn|Radhan|2002|p=187}} Communal division between [[Brahmin]]s and non-Brahmins began in the presidency during the late-19th and early-20th century, mainly due to [[Caste in India|caste]] prejudices and disproportionate Brahminical representation in government jobs. The Justice Party's foundation marked the culmination of several efforts to establish an organization to represent the non-Brahmins in Madras and is seen as the start of the [[Dravidian movement]].{{Sfn|Fishman|Garcia|2010|pp=230–}}&lt;ref&gt;{{cite web | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/tamil-nadu-politics-history-dravidian-movement-brahmins-lower-caste-casteism-madras-presidency-4388452/ | title=A century of reform The Dravidian movement has left its progressive imprint on Tamil Nadu| work=Manuraj Shunmugasundaram | date=22 November 2016 | access-date=8 August 2018}}&lt;/ref&gt;&lt;ref&gt;{{cite web | url=https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/the-inner-grammar-of-dissent-lives/298224 | title=The Inner Grammar Of Dissent Lives | work=K.S. Chalam | publisher=Outlook India | date=12 December 2016 | access-date=8 August 2018}}&lt;/ref&gt; In 1935, [[Periyar]], a popular reformist leader at that time, joined the Justice Party.  
| first = O.P.
| title = Encyclopaedia of Political Parties
| publisher = Anmol Publications
| year = 2002
| isbn = 978-81-7488-865-5
| pages = 187
| chapter = A Time-Bound Plan for Muslim India
}}</ref> Communal division between [[Brahmin]]s and non-Brahmin upper began in the presidency during the late-19th and early-20th century, mainly due to [[Caste in India|caste]] prejudices and disproportionate Brahminical representation in government jobs. The Justice Party's foundation marked the culmination of several efforts to establish an organization to represent the non-Brahmin upper castes in Madras and is seen as the start of the [[Dravidian movement]].<ref>{{cite book|author1=Joshua Fishman|author2=Ofelia Garcia|title=Handbook of Language and Ethnic Identity:The Success-Failure Continuum in Language and Ethnic Identity Efforts (Volume 2): The Success-Failure Continuum in Language and Ethnic Identity Efforts|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OBoSDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA230|access-date=7 July 2016|year=2010|publisher=Oxford University Press, USA|isbn=978-0-19-539245-6|pages=230–}} {{verify source |date=August 2019 |reason=This ref was deleted ([[Special:Diff/910239471]]) by a bug in VisualEditor and later restored by a bot from the original cite at [[Special:Permalink/904492385]] cite No. 1 – please verify the cite's accuracy and remove this {verify source} template. [[User:GreenC bot/Job 18]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/tamil-nadu-politics-history-dravidian-movement-brahmins-lower-caste-casteism-madras-presidency-4388452/ | title=A century of reform The Dravidian movement has left its progressive imprint on Tamil Nadu| work=Manuraj Shunmugasundaram | date=22 November 2016 | access-date=8 August 2018}} {{verify source |date=August 2019 |reason=This ref was deleted ([[Special:Diff/910239471]]) by a bug in VisualEditor and later restored by a bot from the original cite at [[Special:Permalink/904492385]] cite No. 2 – please verify the cite's accuracy and remove this {verify source} template. [[User:GreenC bot/Job 18]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/the-inner-grammar-of-dissent-lives/298224 | title=The Inner Grammar Of Dissent Lives | work=K.S. Chalam | publisher=Outlook India | date=12 December 2016 | access-date=8 August 2018}} {{verify source |date=August 2019 |reason=This ref was deleted ([[Special:Diff/910239471]]) by a bug in VisualEditor and later restored by a bot from the original cite at [[Special:Permalink/904492385]] cite No. 3 – please verify the cite's accuracy and remove this {verify source} template. [[User:GreenC bot/Job 18]]}}</ref>
 
[[Periyar E. V. Ramasamy]], a popular reformist leader at that time, had joined [[Indian National Congress]] in 1919, to oppose what he considered the [[Brahmin]]ic leadership of the party.<ref name="Gail_Omvedt_Dalit_visions">{{cite book
| last = Omvedt
| first = Gail
| author-link = Gail Omvedt
| title = Dalit Visions: The Anti-caste Movement and the Construction on an Indian Identity
| publisher = Orient Longman
| year = 2006
| isbn = 978-81-250-2895-6
| pages = 54–55
}}</ref> Periyar's participation at the [[Vaikom Satyagraha]] led him to start the [[Self-Respect Movement]] in 1926 which was rationalistic and "anti-Brahministic".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&issueid=2138&id=2714&sectionid=30&Itemid=1|title=Ethnic balance|magazine=India Today|date=20 December 2007|access-date=24 May 2009}}</ref> He quit Congress and in 1935 he joined the Justice Party.
 
In the 1937 elections, the Justice Party lost and the [[Indian National Congress]] under [[C. Rajagopalachari]] (Rajaji) came to power in Madras Presidency. Rajaji's introduction of [[Hindi]] as a compulsory subject in schools led to the [[anti-Hindi agitations]], led by Periyar and his associates.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/columns/the-justice-party-torchbearer-of-reform/article7892747.ece|title=Torch-bearer of reform|last=Veeramani|first=K.|date=19 November 2015|work=The Hindu|access-date=10 August 2019|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>


In August 1944, Periyar created the '[[Dravidar Kazhagam]]' out of the Justice Party and the Self-Respect Movement at the Salem Provincial Conference.<ref>{{cite book| last = Dirks| first = Nicholas B.| author-link = Nicholas Dirks| title = Castes of Mind: Colonialism and the Making of Modern India| publisher = Princeton University Press| year = 2001| isbn = 978-0-691-08895-2| pages = 263
In the 1937 elections, the Justice Party lost and the [[Indian National Congress]] under [[C. Rajagopalachari]] (Rajaji) came to power in Madras Presidency. Rajaji's introduction of [[Hindi]] as a compulsory subject in schools led to the [[anti-Hindi agitations]], led by Periyar and his associates.&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/columns/the-justice-party-torchbearer-of-reform/article7892747.ece |title=Torch-bearer of reform |last=Veeramani |first=K. |date=19 November 2015 |work=The Hindu |access-date=10 August 2019 |issn=0971-751X}}&lt;/ref&gt;&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite book |last=Vēṇu |first=Ē Es |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=83xIAAAAMAAJ |title=Why South Opposes Hindi |date=1979 |publisher=Justice Publications |pages=13 |language=en}}&lt;/ref&gt;&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |title= |url=http://dspace.vidyanidhi.org.in:8080/dspace/bitstream/2009/4724/6/MAU-1982-082-5.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721181844/http://dspace.vidyanidhi.org.in:8080/dspace/bitstream/2009/4724/6/MAU-1982-082-5.pdf |archive-date=2011-07-21 |access-date=2025-09-02 |website=dspace.vidyanidhi.org.in |page=192 &amp; 193}}&lt;/ref&gt;
}}</ref> The DK, conceived as a movement and not a political party, insisted on an independent nation for Dravidians called [[Dravida Nadu]] consisting of areas that were covered under the Madras Presidency.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Castes of Mind: Colonialism and the Making of Modern India |author=Dirks, Nicholas B. |year= 2001 |publisher=Princeton University Press |pages =263 |isbn=0691088950 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=lekITKy2rd4C&q=Castes+of+Mind++By+Nicholas+B.+Dirks}}</ref>


The party at its inception retained the flag of the South Indian Liberal Federation, which had a picture of a traditional type of [[Beam balance|balance]] signifying the idea of [[Social equality|equality]].<ref>Saraswathi, S. (2004) ''Towards Self-Respect''. Institute of South Indian Studies, pp. 93 & 94 {{verify source |date=August 2019 |reason=This ref was deleted ([[Special:Diff/910239471]]) by a bug in VisualEditor and later restored by a bot from the original cite at [[Special:Permalink/905473880]] cite No. 1 – please verify the cite's accuracy and remove this {verify source} template. [[User:GreenC bot/Job 18]]}}</ref> Its central theme was to remove the degraded status imposed on [[Dravidian people|Dravidians]]. To communicate this, the party adopted a black flag with a red circle inside it, with the black signifying their degradation and the red denoting the intention of the movement to uplift [[Dravidians]].<ref>Saraswathi, S., ''Towards Self-Respect'', p. 94. {{verify source |date=August 2019 |reason=This ref was deleted ([[Special:Diff/910239471]]) by a bug in VisualEditor and later restored by a bot from the original cite at [[Special:Permalink/905473880]] cite No. 2 – please verify the cite's accuracy and remove this {verify source} template. [[User:GreenC bot/Job 18]]}}</ref>
In August 1944, Periyar created the '[[Dravidar Kazhagam]]' (DK) movement out of the Justice Party and the [[Self-Respect Movement]] at the Salem Provincial Conference.{{Sfn|Dirks|2001|p=263}} The DK, conceived as a movement and not a political party, insisted on an independent nation for Dravidians called [[Dravida Nadu]] consisting of areas that were covered under the Madras Presidency.{{Sfn|Dirks|2001|p=263}}


Over the years, many disagreements arose between Periyar and his followers. In 1949, several of his followers led by [[C. N. Annadurai]] decided to split from Dravidar Kazhagam, after an aged Periyar married a young woman [[Maniammai]] and appointed her to act as his successor to lead the party, superseding senior party leaders. Until then, [[E. V. K. Sampath]], the nephew of Periyar, was considered his political heir.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://sify.com/news/politics/fullstory.php?id=13493522 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050208131610/http://sify.com/news/politics/fullstory.php?id=13493522 |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 February 2005 |title=Priest-less weddings in TN VIP families|work= Sify News|access-date=11 November 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Ram|first=N.|year=1977|editor-last=Barnett|editor-first=Marguerite Ross|title=Pre-History and History of the DMK|journal=Social Scientist|volume=6|issue=5|pages=59–91|doi=10.2307/3520089|issn=0970-0293|jstor=3520089}}</ref>
Over the years, many disagreements arose between Periyar and his followers. In 1949, [[C. N. Annadurai]] and other members decided to take part in electoral politics and Periyar had strong objection on it. [[C. N. Annadurai|Annadurai]] and several of his followers decided to split from the DK movement and form the DMK.&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |url=http://sify.com/news/politics/fullstory.php?id=13493522 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050208131610/http://sify.com/news/politics/fullstory.php?id=13493522 |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 February 2005 |title=Priest-less weddings in TN VIP families|work= Sify News|access-date=11 November 2013}}&lt;/ref&gt;{{Sfn|Ram|1977}}


The Dravidian philosophy culminated both politically and socially with DMK at the helm of administration. It was the first-ever [[Subaltern (postcolonialism)|subaltern]] movement in the history of sub-continent politics to have political representation from former lower-castes, and it was a marked move from generations of civic administrators from the upper-caste citizenry. This had a deep societal impact which resulted in increased political participation, which aided the representation of the emergent strata, enriched civic life, and subsequently strengthened the pluralist democracy.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Subramanian|first=Narendra|date=2002-11-01|title=Identity Politics and Social Pluralism: Political Sociology and Political Change in Tamil Nadu|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/249027491|journal=Commonwealth & Comparative Politics - COMMONW COMP POLIT|volume=40|issue=3|pages=125–139|doi=10.1080/713999599|s2cid=153856033}}</ref>
The Dravidian philosophy played a key role in the DMK at the helm of administration. It was described it as the earliest [[Subaltern (postcolonialism)|subaltern]] movement in the history of the [[Indian subcontinent]] politics to have political representation from former lower castes. This led to greater political participation, which improved representation of the emergent strata, enriched civic life, and subsequently strengthened pluralist democracy in the region.&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite journal |last=Subramanian |first=Narendra |date=2002-11-01 |title=Identity Politics and Social Pluralism: Political Sociology and Political Change in Tamil Nadu |url=https://doi.org/10.1080/713999599 |journal=Commonwealth &amp; Comparative Politics |volume=40 |issue=3 |pages=125–139 |doi=10.1080/713999599 |issn=1466-2043|url-access=subscription }}&lt;/ref&gt;


===C. N. Annadurai era (1949–1969)===
===C. N. Annadurai era (1949–1969)===
[[File:CN Annadurai 1970 stamp of India.jpg|thumb|[[C. N. Annadurai]]'s commemorative stamp released in 1970]]
{{multiple image
The DMK's first foray into electoral politics, in the [[1957 Madras Legislative Assembly election|1957 legislative assembly elections]], was mixed. While it won 15 seats, many prominent leaders such as Annadurai and [[V. R. Nedunchezhiyan]] were defeated. It fared somewhat better in [[1962 Madras Legislative Assembly election|1962]], winning 50 seats and becoming the main opposition.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/SE_1962/StatRep_Madras_1962.pdf |title=1962 Madras State Election Results, Election Commission of India |access-date= 19 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130127201143/https://eci.gov.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/SE_1962/StatRep_Madras_1962.pdf |archive-date=27 January 2013}}</ref>
| align    = right
| caption_align = center
| direction = vertical
| width    = 220
| image1    = CN Annadurai 1970 stamp of India.jpg
| caption1  = '''Dr. C.N. Annadurai'''&lt;br /&gt;Founder of the party
}}{{Main|C. N. Annadurai}}
The DMK's initial participation in electoral politics, in the [[1957 Madras Legislative Assembly election|1957 legislative assembly elections]], was mixed. While it won 15 seats, many prominent leaders such as Annadurai and [[V. R. Nedunchezhiyan]] were defeated. It fared somewhat better in the [[1962 Madras Legislative Assembly election|1962 elections]], winning 50 seats and becoming the main opposition party.&lt;ref&gt;{{cite web |url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/SE_1962/StatRep_Madras_1962.pdf |title=1962 Madras State Election Results, Election Commission of India |access-date= 19 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130127201143/https://eci.gov.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/SE_1962/StatRep_Madras_1962.pdf |archive-date=27 January 2013}}&lt;/ref&gt;


==== Anti-Hindi Imposition agitations ====
==== Anti-Hindi Imposition agitations ====
{{See also|Anti-Hindi agitations of Tamil Nadu}}
{{See also|Anti-Hindi agitations of Tamil Nadu}}


The DMK, which split from the Dravidar Kazhagam in 1949, inherited the anti-Hindi Imposition policies of its parent organization. Founder C.N. Annadurai had earlier participated in the anti-Hindi imposition agitations during 1938–40 and throughout the 1940s.
The DMK inherited the anti-[[Hindi imposition]] policies of its parent organization, DK. Founder C.N. Annadurai had earlier participated in the anti-Hindi imposition agitations during 1938–40 and throughout the 1940s.


In July 1953, the DMK launched an [[Kallakudi demonstration|agitation]] against the Union government's proposed name-change of [[Kallakudi]] to Dalmiapuram. They claimed that the town's proposed new name (after [[Dalmia Group|Ramkrishna Dalmia]]) symbolized the exploitation of South India by the North.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Mills|first1=James H.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2hIUBioZHHQC&pg=PT151|title=Confronting the body: the politics of physicality in colonial and post-colonial India|last2=Sen|first2=Satadru|publisher=Anthem Press|year=2004|isbn=978-1-84331-033-4|page=151}} {{verify source|date=August 2019|reason=This ref was deleted ([[Special:Diff/901408232]]) by a bug in VisualEditor and later restored by a bot from the original cite at [[Special:Permalink/897738684]] cite No. 54 – please verify the cite's accuracy and remove this {verify source} template. [[User:GreenC bot/Job 18]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sangam.org/2009/09/Anna_Centennial_3.php?print=true|title=Anna in the dock (1953)|author=Sachi Sri Kantha|date=16 September 2009|work=Anna's Birth Centennial Anthology Part 3|publisher=Sangam.org|access-date=24 November 2009}} {{verify source|date=August 2019|reason=This ref was deleted ([[Special:Diff/901408232]]) by a bug in VisualEditor and later restored by a bot from the original cite at [[Special:Permalink/897738684]] cite No. 55 – please verify the cite's accuracy and remove this {verify source} template. [[User:GreenC bot/Job 18]]}}</ref> On 15 July, [[M. Karunanidhi]] (later Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu) and other DMK members removed the Hindi name from Dalmiapuram railway station's name board and protested on the tracks. In the altercation with the police that followed the protests, two DMK members lost their lives, and several others, including Karunanidhi and [[Kannadasan]], were arrested.<ref>{{Harvnb|Ramaswamy|1997|p=108|loc=ch. 5.29 (The Warrior Devotee)}} {{verify source|date=August 2019|reason=This ref was deleted ([[Special:Diff/901408232]]) by a bug in VisualEditor and later restored by a bot from the original cite at [[Special:Permalink/897738684]] cite No. 56 – please verify the cite's accuracy and remove this {verify source} template. [[User:GreenC bot/Job 18]]}}</ref>
In July 1953, the DMK launched an [[Kallakudi demonstration|agitation]] against the Union government's proposed name-change of [[Kallakudi]] to Dalmiapuram. They claimed that the town's proposed new name, proposed to be named after [[Dalmia Group|Ramkrishna Dalmia]], symbolized the exploitation of South India by the North.{{Sfn|Mills|Sen|2004|p=151}}&lt;ref&gt;{{cite web|url=http://www.sangam.org/2009/09/Anna_Centennial_3.php?print=true|title=Anna in the dock (1953)|author=Sachi Sri Kantha|date=16 September 2009|work=Anna's Birth Centennial Anthology Part 3|publisher=Sangam.org|access-date=24 November 2009}}&lt;/ref&gt; On 15 July, [[M. Karunanidhi]] and other DMK members removed the Hindi name from Dalmiapuram railway station's name board and protested on the tracks. In the altercation with the police that followed the protests, two DMK members lost their lives, and several others, including Karunanidhi and [[Kannadasan]], were arrested.{{Sfn|Ramaswamy|1997|p=8}}


The DMK continued its anti-Hindi Imposition policies throughout the 1950s, along with the secessionist demand for [[Dravida Nadu]], in which it was originally more radical than the Dravida Kazhagam.<ref>{{Cite book| last = Jaffrelot | first = Christophe | title = India's silent revolution: the rise of the low castes in North Indian politics | publisher = C. Hurst & Co. | year = 2003 | isbn = 1-85065-398-4
The DMK continued its anti-Hindi Imposition policies throughout the 1950s, along with the secessionist demand for [[Dravida Nadu]], which initially adopted a more radical stance than the Dravida Kazhagam.{{Sfn|Jaffrelot|2003|p=244}} On 28 January 1956, Annadurai, along with Periyar and Rajaji, signed a resolution passed by the Academy of Tamil Culture endorsing the continuation of English as the official language.&lt;ref&gt;{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AGcOAQAAIAAJ|title=Modern India rejects Hindi|publisher=Association for the Advancement of the National Languages of India|year=1958|page=29}}&lt;/ref&gt;{{Sfn|Copley|1978|p=[https://archive.org/details/politicalcareero0000copl/page/311 311]}} On 21 September 1957, the DMK convened an anti-Hindi conference to protest against the imposition of Hindi. It observed 13 October 1957 as "anti-Hindi day".&lt;ref&gt;{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/a-script-which-karuna-would-never-imagined-in-tn/61923/on|title=A script which Karuna would never imagined in TN|date=16 May 2009|work=[[Business Standard]]|publisher=Business Standard Ltd|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091201202600/http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/a-script-which-karuna-would-never-imagined-in-tn/61923/on|archive-date=1 December 2009|access-date=24 November 2009|agency=Press Trust of India}}&lt;/ref&gt;{{Sfn|Swaminathan|1974|p=8}}
| page = 244}}</ref> On 28 January 1956, Annadurai, along with Periyar and Rajaji, signed a resolution passed by the Academy of Tamil Culture endorsing the continuation of English as the official language.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AGcOAQAAIAAJ|title=Modern India rejects Hindi|publisher=Association for the Advancement of the National Languages of India|year=1958|page=29}} {{verify source|date=August 2019|reason=This ref was deleted ([[Special:Diff/901408232]]) by a bug in VisualEditor and later restored by a bot from the original cite at [[Special:Permalink/897738684]] cite No. 57 – please verify the cite's accuracy and remove this {verify source} template. [[User:GreenC bot/Job 18]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Copley|first=Antony R. H.|url=https://archive.org/details/politicalcareero0000copl|url-access=registration|title=The political career of C. Rajagopalachari, 1937–1954: a moralist in politics|publisher=Macmillan|year=1978|page=[https://archive.org/details/politicalcareero0000copl/page/311 311]}} {{verify source|date=August 2019|reason=This ref was deleted ([[Special:Diff/901408232]]) by a bug in VisualEditor and later restored by a bot from the original cite at [[Special:Permalink/897738684]] cite No. 58 – please verify the cite's accuracy and remove this {verify source} template. [[User:GreenC bot/Job 18]]}}</ref> On 21 September 1957, the DMK convened an anti-Hindi Conference to protest against the imposition of Hindi. It observed 13 October 1957 as "anti-Hindi Day".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/a-script-which-karuna-would-never-imagined-in-tn/61923/on|title=A script which Karuna would never imagined in TN|date=16 May 2009|work=[[Business Standard]]|publisher=Business Standard Ltd|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091201202600/http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/a-script-which-karuna-would-never-imagined-in-tn/61923/on|archive-date=1 December 2009|access-date=24 November 2009|agency=Press Trust of India}} {{verify source|date=August 2019|reason=This ref was deleted ([[Special:Diff/901408232]]) by a bug in VisualEditor and later restored by a bot from the original cite at [[Special:Permalink/897738684]] cite No. 59 – please verify the cite's accuracy and remove this {verify source} template. [[User:GreenC bot/Job 18]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Swaminathan|first=S.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q-uYmpYmXuMC|title=Karunanidhi: man of destiny|publisher=Affiliated East-West Press|year=1974|page=8}} {{verify source|date=August 2019|reason=This ref was deleted ([[Special:Diff/901408232]]) by a bug in VisualEditor and later restored by a bot from the original cite at [[Special:Permalink/897738684]] cite No. 60 – please verify the cite's accuracy and remove this {verify source} template. [[User:GreenC bot/Job 18]]}}</ref>


On 31 July 1960, another open air anti-Hindi conference was held in [[Kodambakkam]], Madras.<ref>{{cite book|last=Venu|first=E.Es.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=83xIAAAAMAAJ|title=Why South opposes Hindi|publisher=Justice Publications|year=1979|page=76}} {{verify source|date=August 2019|reason=This ref was deleted ([[Special:Diff/901408232]]) by a bug in VisualEditor and later restored by a bot from the original cite at [[Special:Permalink/897738684]] cite No. 61 – please verify the cite's accuracy and remove this {verify source} template. [[User:GreenC bot/Job 18]]}}</ref> In November 1963, DMK dropped its secessionist demand in the wake of the [[Sino-Indian War]] and the passage of the anti-secessionist 16th Amendment to the [[Indian Constitution]]. However, the anti-Hindi stance remained and hardened with the passage of Official Languages Act of 1963.<ref>{{cite book|last=Rajagopalan|first=Swarna|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=q7Yz5aGeoTsC|title=State and nation in south Asia|publisher=Lynne Rienner Publishers|year=2001|isbn=978-1-55587-967-9|pages=153–156}} {{verify source|date=August 2019|reason=This ref was deleted ([[Special:Diff/901408232]]) by a bug in VisualEditor and later restored by a bot from the original cite at [[Special:Permalink/897738684]] cite No. 62 – please verify the cite's accuracy and remove this {verify source} template. [[User:GreenC bot/Job 18]]}}</ref> The DMK's view on Hindi's eligibility for official language status were reflected in Annadurai's response to the "numerical superiority of Hindi" argument: "If we had to accept the principle of numerical superiority while selecting our national bird, the choice would have fallen not on the peacock but on the common crow."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Venkatachalapathy|first=A. R.|date=|title=Tongue tied|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/20071231-tongue-tied-734837-2007-12-20|access-date=|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref>
On 31 July 1960, another open-air anti-Hindi conference was held in [[Kodambakkam]], Madras.{{Sfn|Venu|1979|p=76}} In November 1963, DMK dropped its secessionist demand in the wake of the [[Sino-Indian War]] and the passage of the anti-secessionist 16th Amendment to the [[Indian Constitution]]. The anti-Hindi stance remained and hardened with the passage of [[Official Languages Act, 1963|Official Languages Act of 1963]].{{Sfn|Rajagopalan|2001|pp=153–156}} The DMK's view on Hindi's eligibility for official language status were reflected in Annadurai's response to the "numerical superiority of Hindi" argument: "If we had to accept the principle of numerical superiority while selecting our national bird, the choice would have fallen not on the peacock but on the common crow."&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web|last=Venkatachalapathy|first=A. R.|date=20 December 2007|title=Tongue tied|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/20071231-tongue-tied-734837-2007-12-20|access-date=|website=India Today|language=en}}&lt;/ref&gt;


==== Formation of state government ====
==== Formation of state government ====
In 1967, DMK came to power in the [[Madras State]] 18 years after its formation and 10 years after it had first entered electoral politics. This began the Dravidian era in the Madras province, which later became [[Tamil Nadu]]. In 1967, the Congress lost nine states to opposition parties, but it was only in Madras that a single non-Congress Party (namely, the DMK) won a majority.<ref>{{cite book | last = Chakrabarty | first = Bidyut | title = Indian Politics and Society Since Independence | publisher = Routledge | year = 2008 | pages = 110–111 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=QzQHZ178C24C | isbn = 978-0-415-40868-4 }} {{verify source |date=August 2019 |reason=This ref was deleted ([[Special:Diff/901408232]]) by a bug in VisualEditor and later restored by a bot from the original cite at [[Special:Permalink/900528858]] cite No. 33 – please verify the cite's accuracy and remove this {verify source} template. [[User:GreenC bot/Job 18]]}}</ref> The [[1967 Tamil Nadu state assembly election|electoral victory of 1967]] is also reputed to be an [[electoral fusion]] among the non-[[Indian National Congress|Congress]] parties to avoid a split in the [[Opposition (parliamentary)|Opposition]] votes. [[Rajaji|Rajagopalachari]], a former senior leader of the Congress Party, had by then left the Congress and launched the right-wing [[Swatantra Party]]. He played a vital role in bringing about the electoral fusion amongst the opposition parties to align against the Congress.<ref>{{cite news | last = Viswanathan | first = S | title = Dravidian power | work = Frontline | date = 10–23 April 2004 | url = http://www.frontline.in/fl2108/stories/20040423007701500.htm | access-date = 19 February 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080303061014/http://www.frontline.in/fl2108/stories/20040423007701500.htm | archive-date = 3 March 2008 }} {{verify source |date=August 2019 |reason=This ref was deleted ([[Special:Diff/901408232]]) by a bug in VisualEditor and later restored by a bot from the original cite at [[Special:Permalink/900528858]] cite No. 34 – please verify the cite's accuracy and remove this {verify source} template. [[User:GreenC bot/Job 18]]}}</ref> At that time, his cabinet was the youngest in the country.<ref>{{cite news | last = Venkatachalapathy | first = AR | title = C.N. Annadurai – Politician, 1909–1969 | date = 10 April 2008 | url = http://indiatoday.digitaltoday.in/index.php?option=com_content&issueid=48&task=view&id=6878&acc=high | access-date = 20 December 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090112030229/http://indiatoday.digitaltoday.in/index.php?option=com_content&issueid=48&task=view&id=6878&acc=high | archive-date = 12 January 2009 }} {{verify source |date=August 2019 |reason=This ref was deleted ([[Special:Diff/901408232]]) by a bug in VisualEditor and later restored by a bot from the original cite at [[Special:Permalink/900528858]] cite No. 35 – please verify the cite's accuracy and remove this {verify source} template. [[User:GreenC bot/Job 18]]}}</ref>
In the [[1967 Madras Legislative Assembly election|1967 assembly election]], DMK came to power in the [[Madras State]], 18 years after its formation and 10 years after it had first entered electoral politics. This began the Dravidian era in the Madras province, which later became [[Tamil Nadu]]. In 1967, the Congress lost nine states to opposition parties, but it was only in Madras that a single non-Congress Party won a majority.{{Sfn|Chakrabarty|2008|pp=110–111}} The electoral victory of 1967 is also reputed to be an electoral fusion among the non-[[Indian National Congress|Congress]] parties to avoid a split in the opposition votes. [[Rajaji|Rajagopalachari]], a former senior leader of the Congress Party, had by then left the Congress and launched the right-wing [[Swatantra Party]]. He played a vital role in bringing about the electoral fusion amongst the opposition parties to align against the Congress.&lt;ref&gt;{{cite news | last = Viswanathan | first = S | title = Dravidian power | work = Frontline | date = 10–23 April 2004 | url = http://www.frontline.in/fl2108/stories/20040423007701500.htm | access-date = 19 February 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080303061014/http://www.frontline.in/fl2108/stories/20040423007701500.htm | archive-date = 3 March 2008 }}&lt;/ref&gt; Following the DMK's victory in the 1967 election, Annadurai formed a cabinet that was the youngest in India at the time.&lt;ref&gt;{{cite news | last = Venkatachalapathy | first = AR | title = C.N. Annadurai – Politician, 1909–1969 | date = 10 April 2008 | url = http://indiatoday.digitaltoday.in/index.php?option=com_content&amp;issueid=48&amp;task=view&amp;id=6878&amp;acc=high | access-date = 20 December 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090112030229/http://indiatoday.digitaltoday.in/index.php?option=com_content&amp;issueid=48&amp;task=view&amp;id=6878&amp;acc=high | archive-date = 12 January 2009 }}&lt;/ref&gt;


==== Other achievements ====
==== Other achievements ====
Annadurai legalised [[self-respect marriages]] for the first time the country. Such marriages did not involve priests presiding over the ceremonies, and thus a [[Brahmin]] was not needed to carry out the wedding.<ref>{{cite news | last = Venkatesh | first = MR | title = Solidarity show at wedding – ADMK's brickbats on cauvery mixes with Pranab's bonhomie | publisher = The Telegraph, Calcutta | date = 7 June 2004 | url = http://www.telegraphindia.com/1040607/asp/nation/story_3340313.asp | access-date = 20 December 2008 | location = Calcutta, India | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090816173201/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1040607/asp/nation/story_3340313.asp | archive-date = 16 August 2009 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }} {{verify source |date=August 2019 |reason=This ref was deleted ([[Special:Diff/901408232]]) by a bug in VisualEditor and later restored by a bot from the original cite at [[Special:Permalink/900528858]] cite No. 36 – please verify the cite's accuracy and remove this {verify source} template. [[User:GreenC bot/Job 18]]}}</ref> Self-respect marriages were a brainchild of Periyar, who regarded the then conventional marriages as mere financial arrangements which often led to great debt through [[dowry]]. Self-respect marriages, according to him, encouraged inter-caste marriages and caused [[arranged marriages]] to be replaced by love marriages.<ref>{{cite journal | last = Hodges | first = Sara | title = Revolutionary family life and the Self Respect movement in Tamil south India | journal = Contributions to Indian Sociology | volume = 39 | issue = 2 | pages = 251–277 | year = 2005 | doi = 10.1177/006996670503900203 | s2cid = 144419547 | df = dmy-all }} {{verify source |date=August 2019 |reason=This ref was deleted ([[Special:Diff/901408232]]) by a bug in VisualEditor and later restored by a bot from the original cite at [[Special:Permalink/900528858]] cite No. 37 – please verify the cite's accuracy and remove this {verify source} template. [[User:GreenC bot/Job 18]]}}</ref>
[[Self-respect marriages]] were legalized in India during Annadurai's tenure. Such marriages did not involve priests presiding over the ceremonies, and thus a [[Brahmin]] was not needed to carry out the wedding.&lt;ref&gt;{{cite news | last = Venkatesh | first = MR | title = Solidarity show at wedding – ADMK's brickbats on cauvery mixes with Pranab's bonhomie | newspaper = The Telegraph | location = Calcutta | date = 7 June 2004 | url = http://www.telegraphindia.com/1040607/asp/nation/story_3340313.asp | access-date = 20 December 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090816173201/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1040607/asp/nation/story_3340313.asp | archive-date = 16 August 2009 | url-status = dead | df = dmy-all }}&lt;/ref&gt; Self-respect marriages were a brainchild of Periyar, who regarded the then conventional marriages as mere financial arrangements which led to great debt through [[dowry]] in many cases. Self-respect marriages, according to him, encouraged inter-caste marriages and caused [[arranged marriages]] to be replaced by [[Love marriage|love marriages.]]{{Sfn|Hodges|2005}}
 
Annadurai's party was among the first in India to include a promise of subsidized rice in its election manifesto. He promised one rupee a measure of rice, which he initially implemented once in government, but had to withdraw later. Subsidizing rice costs are still used as an [[election promise]] in Tamil Nadu.&lt;ref&gt;{{cite news | title = Rice promises stir Tamil Nadu | work = Rediff.com | date = 19 April 2006 | url = http://in.rediff.com/election/2006/apr/19ptn.htm | access-date = 20 December 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080907170313/http://in.rediff.com/election/2006/apr/19ptn.htm | archive-date = 7 September 2008 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}&lt;/ref&gt;
 
It was Annadurai's government that renamed [[Madras State]] to [[Tamil Nadu]], its present-day name. The name change itself was first presented in the [[Rajya Sabha]] by [[Bhupesh Gupta]], a communist MP from [[West Bengal]], but was then defeated.{{Sfn|Rajagopalan|2001|pp=152–154}} With Annadurai as chief minister, the state assembly succeeded in passing the bill renaming the state.{{Citation needed|date=November 2025}}
 
Annadurai's government introduced a two-language policy, favoring Tamil and English over Hindi, which marked a significant shift from the previously proposed [[three language formula]]. The three-language formula, which was implemented in the neighboring states of [[Karnataka]], [[Andhra Pradesh]] and [[Kerala]], mandated students to study three languages: the regional language, [[English language|English]], and [[Hindi]].{{Sfn|Hardgrave|1965}}
 
===M. Karunanidhi era (1969–2018)===
{{multiple image
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| caption1          = '''Dr. M. Karunanidhi'''&lt;br /&gt;Former President of the party
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Annadurai was also the first to promise to subsidize the price of rice in order to campaign for his election. He promised one rupee a measure of rice, which he initially implemented once in government, but had to withdraw later. Subsidising rice costs are still used as an [[election promise]] in Tamil Nadu.<ref>{{cite news | title = Rice promises stir Tamil Nadu | work = Rediff.com | date = 19 April 2006 | url = http://in.rediff.com/election/2006/apr/19ptn.htm | access-date = 20 December 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080907170313/http://in.rediff.com/election/2006/apr/19ptn.htm | archive-date = 7 September 2008 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }} {{verify source |date=August 2019 |reason=This ref was deleted ([[Special:Diff/901408232]]) by a bug in VisualEditor and later restored by a bot from the original cite at [[Special:Permalink/900528858]] cite No. 38 – please verify the cite's accuracy and remove this {verify source} template. [[User:GreenC bot/Job 18]]}}</ref>
{{Main|M. Karunanidhi}}


It was Annadurai's government that renamed [[Madras State]] to [[Tamil Nadu]], its present day name. The name change itself was first presented in the upper house ([[Rajya Sabha]]) of the [[Parliament of India]] by [[Bhupesh Gupta]], a communist MP from [[West Bengal]], but was then defeated.<ref>{{cite book | last = Rajagopalan | first = Swarna | title = State and Nation in South Asia | publisher = Lynne Rienner Publishers | year = 2001 | pages = 152–154 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=q7Yz5aGeoTsC | isbn = 978-1-55587-967-9 }} {{verify source |date=August 2019 |reason=This ref was deleted ([[Special:Diff/901408232]]) by a bug in VisualEditor and later restored by a bot from the original cite at [[Special:Permalink/900528858]] cite No. 13 – please verify the cite's accuracy and remove this {verify source} template. [[User:GreenC bot/Job 18]]}}</ref> With Annadurai as chief minister, the state assembly succeeded in passing the bill renaming the state. Another major achievement of Annadurai's government was to introduce a ''two language policy''{{which|date=August 2019}} over the then popular [[three language formula]]. The three language formula, which was implemented in the neighbouring states of [[Karnataka]], Andhra Pradesh and [[Kerala]], entitled students to study three languages: the regional language, [[English language|English]] and [[Hindi]].<ref>{{cite journal | last = Hardgrave | first = Robert | title = The Riots in Tamilnad: Problems and Prospects of India's Language Crisis | journal = Asian Survey | volume = 5 | issue = 8 | pages = 399–407 | year = 1965 | doi = 10.1525/as.1965.5.8.01p0095g | df = dmy-all }} {{verify source |date=August 2019 |reason=This ref was deleted ([[Special:Diff/901408232]]) by a bug in VisualEditor and later restored by a bot from the original cite at [[Special:Permalink/900528858]] cite No. 22 – please verify the cite's accuracy and remove this {verify source} template. [[User:GreenC bot/Job 18]]}}</ref>
In 1969, after Annadurai's death, M. Karunanidhi was elected as his successor, defeating rival candidate [[V. R. Nedunchezhiyan]]. Karunanidhi headed the DMK until his own death in 2018.&lt;ref name=":0" /&gt; He was also appointed as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu on 10 February 1969, sworn in by then Governor [[Sardar Ujjal Singh]].&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |date=2018-08-17 |title=Milestones in a long journey |url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/cover-story/article24705340.ece |access-date=2025-11-17 |website=Frontline |language=en}}&lt;/ref&gt;


=== Karunanidhi's leadership (1969–2018) ===
In the 1970s, [[M. G. Ramachandran]] (M.G.R.), a popular actor and the party treasurer, had a political feud with the party president Karunanidhi. In 1972, M.G.R. called for a boycott of the party's General Council. The crisis led to a call for a corruption probe by M.G.R. leading to his suspension from the General Council by the high-power committee of DMK.{{Citation needed|date=November 2025}} M.G.R. left the DMK and created a new political party, the [[All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] (AIADMK).{{Sfn|Hardgrave|1973}}
[[File:M. Karunanidhi .jpg|thumb|[[M. Karunanidhi]]]]
In 1969, Annadurai unexpectedly died. M. Karunanidhi was elected as his successor, defeating rival candidate [[V. R. Nedunchezhiyan]]. Karunanidhi would continue to head the DMK until his own death in 2018.<ref name=":0" />


==== 1972 split ====
In 1976, during the [[The Emergency (India)|emergency period]],&lt;ref&gt;{{Citation |title=EMERGENCY |date=2025-06-10 |work=Indira Gandhi and the Years that Transformed India |pages=192–223 |url=https://doi.org/10.2307/jj.28697857.15 |access-date=2025-09-11 |publisher=Yale University Press |doi=10.2307/jj.28697857.15 |isbn=978-0-300-28369-3|url-access=subscription }}&lt;/ref&gt; prime minister [[Indira Gandhi]] dismissed the Karunanidhi government,&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite news |title=An island of democracy |url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/cover-story/an-island-of-democracy/article24703897.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250212001859/https://frontline.thehindu.com/cover-story/an-island-of-democracy/article24703897.ece |archive-date=2025-02-12 |access-date=2025-09-11 |work=Frontline |language=en}}&lt;/ref&gt; fifty days before his tenure ended, citing failure to maintain law and order, implement emergency measures, uphold national discipline, and promote economic development.&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite news |date=1976-02-01 |title=Mrs. Gandhi Dismisses Opposition Government of a State and Takes Over Rule (Published 1976) |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1976/02/01/archives/mrs-gandhi-dismisses-opposition-government-of-a-state-and-takes.html |access-date=2025-09-11 |language=en}}&lt;/ref&gt;&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |title=The political journey of M Karunanidhi: A timeline - End of an era |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/the-political-journey-of-m-karunanidhi-a-timeline/alliance-at-centre/slideshow/65311578.cms |access-date=2025-09-11 |website=The Economic Times |language=en}}&lt;/ref&gt; The [[Sarkaria Commission|Sarkaria commission]] later investigated the DMK government for alleged irregularities in awarding tenders related to the [[Veeranam]] drainage project.&lt;ref&gt;{{cite news |date=10 June 2001 |title=What the Sarkaria Commission said |work=The Hindu |url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/2001/06/10/stories/0410223a.htm |url-status=usurped |access-date=11 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101205052213/http://www.hinduonnet.com/2001/06/10/stories/0410223a.htm |archive-date=5 December 2010}}&lt;/ref&gt; However, no corruption charges were formally proven against Karunanidhi in the court.&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |title=Karunanidhi a visionary and a reformist pushing for social justice: Biographer Vasanthi |url=https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay.aspx?newsID=704339 |access-date=2025-09-11 |website=www.daijiworld.com |language=en}}&lt;/ref&gt;&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite news |date=2018-08-09 |title=Karunanidhi: Tamil Nadu politics' ultimate comeback man |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/karunanidhi-tamil-nadu-politics-ultimate-comeback-man-dmk-stalin-chennai-5298469/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207033443/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/karunanidhi-tamil-nadu-politics-ultimate-comeback-man-dmk-stalin-chennai-5298469/ |archive-date=2022-12-07 |access-date=2025-09-11 |work=The Indian Express |language=en-US}}&lt;/ref&gt;
In the 1970s, [[M. G. Ramachandran]] (M.G.R.), a popular actor and the party treasurer, resulting in a political feud between M.G.R. and the party president Karunanidhi. In 1972, M.G.R. called for a boycott of the party's General Council. The crisis led to a call for a corruption probe by M.G.R. where he was a treasurer, and he was eventually suspended from the General Council by the high power committee of DMK. He then created the new party named [[All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] (AIADMK).<ref name="Hardgrave">{{cite book|first=Robert j|last=Hardgrave Jr.|year=1973|title= Politics and the Film in Tamilnadu: The Stars and the DMK |series=Asian Survey|publisher= University of California Press}}</ref>
 
The interim report of the [[Jain Commission]], which oversaw the investigation into [[Rajiv Gandhi]]'s [[Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi|assassination]], indicted Karunanidhi for abetting the [[Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam]] (LTTE).&lt;ref&gt;{{cite magazine |last=Chawla |first=Prabhu |date=17 November 1997 |title=Jain Commission Revelations: Damning the DMK |url=http://www.india-today.com/itoday/17111997/cov.html |url-status=dead |magazine=India Today |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924034354/http://www.india-today.com/itoday/17111997/cov.html |archive-date=24 September 2015 |access-date=11 November 2013}}&lt;/ref&gt; The interim report recommended that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi and the DMK party be held responsible for abetting Rajiv Gandhi's murderers. The final report contained no such allegations.&lt;ref&gt;{{cite news |date=14 February 2004 |title=No adverse comments on DMK leaders in Jain report |work=[[The Hindu]] |location=Chennai, India |url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/02/14/stories/2004021405140100.htm |url-status=dead |access-date=11 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040228033749/http://www.hindu.com/2004/02/14/stories/2004021405140100.htm |archive-date=28 February 2004}}&lt;/ref&gt;


==== Elections under Karunanidhi's presidency ====
==== Elections under Karunanidhi's presidency ====
* In 1977, DMK lost the Assembly elections to MGR's AIADMK, and stayed out of power in the state till 1989.<ref name="Murali82">[[#Murali|Murali 1994]], p. 82</ref> After MGR's death in December 1987, AIADMK split into two factions between [[V. N. Janaki|Janaki]] (MGR's wife) and [[Jayalalithaa]]. DMK returned to power in the 1989 State assembly elections and 3rd time Chief Minister Tamil Nadu Karunanidhi took over as chief minister in January 1989.
{{More citations needed|section|date=November 2025}}
* The 1991 election was held with the backdrop of DMK government having dissolved within 2 years of formation due to pressure from ex-Prime Minister [[Rajiv Gandhi]] leading an alliance with [[Samajwadi Janata Party]]. In the same year Rajiv was killed by a [[Suicide Bomber|suicide bomber]] during the election campaign, and due to DMK's pro-Tamil stance and the dismissal of the state government mid-campaign by Rajiv, attitudes were against DMK and instead in favor of the AIADMK–Congress alliance, causing the DMK to be deprived of any seats in the Parliament.
* DMK lost the 1977 Assembly elections to the AIADMK, and stayed out of power in the state until 1989.{{sfn|Murali|2007|page=82}} After MGR's death in December 1987, AIADMK split into two factions led by MGR's wife [[V. N. Janaki|Janaki]] and [[Jayalalithaa]]. The DMK returned to power in the [[1989 Tamil Nadu state assembly elections|1989 state assembly elections]] and for the third time, Karunanidhi took over as the chief minister in January 1989.
* In the 1996 state elections, DMK came to power on strength of corruption charges against [[J.Jayalalithaa]] and the alliance with [[Tamil Maanila Congress]] (TMC), headed by [[G.K. Moopanar]].
* The [[1991 Lok Sabha election]] was held with the backdrop of DMK government having dissolved within two years of formation due to pressure from ex-Prime Minister [[Rajiv Gandhi]] leading an alliance with [[Samajwadi Janata Party]]. In the same year, Rajiv Gandhi was [[Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi|killed]] by a suicide bomber during his election campaign, and due to DMK's pro-Tamil stance and the dismissal of the state government mid-campaign by Rajiv, public sentiments were against DMK and instead in favor of the AIADMK–Congress alliance, causing the DMK to not win any seats in the Parliament.
*However, in 2001, the AIADMK, on strength of a strong alliance and the incumbency factor against DMK, came back to power in the state assembly elections.
* In the 1996 state elections, DMK came to power on strength of corruption charges against Jayalalithaa and their alliance with [[Tamil Maanila Congress]] (TMC), headed by [[G.K. Moopanar]].
* In the 2004 parliamentary elections, DMK formed an alliance with Congress, the [[Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] (MDMK) and the [[Pattali Makkal Katchi]] (PMK) and swept a grand victory. The alliance won all 40 seats including [[Puducherry (union territory)|Puducherry]]. This enabled DMK to hold 7 ministerial posts in the central government and gave influential power to DMK.
* In 2001, the AIADMK, on strength of a strong alliance and anti-incumbency factor against DMK, came back to power in the state assembly elections.
* Two years later in 2006, the same alliance won in the state assembly elections and the DMK, for the first time, formed a minority government in the state with help from Congress. [[M Karunanidhi]] became the Chief Minister of the state for the fifth time. The DMK-Congress alliance was also successful in the 2009 parliamentary elections.
* In the [[2004 Indian general election in Tamil Nadu|2004 general election]], DMK formed an alliance with Congress, the [[Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] (MDMK), and the [[Pattali Makkal Katchi]] (PMK). The alliance won all 40 seats of the state including [[Puducherry (union territory)|Puducherry]]. The DMK held 7 ministerial posts in the central government cabinet.
* Two years later in 2006, the same alliance won in the state assembly elections and the DMK formed a minority government in the state with help from Congress. [[M Karunanidhi]] became the Chief Minister of the state for the fifth time. The DMK-Congress alliance was also successful in the [[2009 Indian general election in Tamil Nadu|2009 general elections]].
* In the [[2011 Tamil Nadu legislative assembly election result|2011 Assembly elections]], held in the wake of the [[2G case]] and allegations of nepotism, the DMK won only 23 seats, 127 seats less than earlier.
* In the [[2011 Tamil Nadu legislative assembly election result|2011 Assembly elections]], held in the wake of the [[2G case]] and allegations of nepotism, the DMK won only 23 seats, 127 seats less than earlier.
* In the 2014 [[Lok Sabha]] election DMK failed to win any seats; however, by vote percentage, it was second only to AIADMK.
* In the [[2014 Indian general election in Tamil Nadu|2014 general election]], DMK failed to win any seats.
* The 2016 state assembly elections gave DMK 89 MLAs. This was the most number for an opposition party in the history of the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly.
* In the 2016 state assembly elections, DMK won 89 seats. This was the most number for a single opposition party in the history of the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly.
 
==== Favouritism towards family members ====
Karunanidhi has faced accusations and criticism of favouring family members for prominent political and constitutional positions. His supporters have denied these allegations, describing the appointments as based on political trust and experience.&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |last=Isaac |first=Anna |date=2018-08-08 |title=Nepotism or survival? Why Karunanidhi chose family when it came to New Delhi |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/news/nepotism-or-survival-why-karunanidhi-chose-family-when-it-came-new-delhi-86173 |access-date=2025-11-18 |website=The News Minute |language=en}}&lt;/ref&gt; Karunanidhi's nephew, [[Murasoli Maran]], was a [[Union Minister]] under multiple governments.&lt;ref&gt;{{cite news |title=Maran&amp;nbsp;– the eyes and ears of DMK in Delhi |url=http://news.indiainfo.com/2003/11/23/23maran1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617023328/http://news.indiainfo.com/2003/11/23/23maran1.html |archive-date=17 June 2011 |access-date=11 November 2013 |publisher=Indiainfo.com}}&lt;/ref&gt; [[M. K. Stalin]] was elected as the Mayor of [[Chennai]] and later as the deputy chief minister of Tamil Nadu.&lt;ref&gt;{{cite news |date=1 November 1999 |title=Politics: Special Series; M K Stalin |url=http://www.india-today.com/itoday/19991101/stalin.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924034411/http://www.india-today.com/itoday/19991101/stalin.html |archive-date=24 September 2015 |access-date=11 November 2013 |work=India Today}}&lt;/ref&gt; Karunanidhi's daughter [[Kanimozhi]] has been appointed as the Rajya Sabha MP twice in 2007 and 2013.&lt;ref&gt;{{cite news |date=26 July 2007 |title=Kanimozhi, D Raja take oath as Rajya Sabha members |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/kanimozhi-d-raja-take-oath-as-rajya-sabha-members/articleshow/2235368.cms |work=timesofindia}}&lt;/ref&gt;&lt;ref&gt;{{cite news |date=27 June 2013 |title=Kanimozhi wins Rajya Sabha polls, so does Raja |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/south/story/kanimozhi-d-raja-wins-rajya-sabha-polls-tamil-nadu-168269-2013-06-27 |access-date=27 June 2013 |work=indiatoday}}&lt;/ref&gt; Karunanidhi's nephew's son [[Dayanidhi Maran]] had been appointed as a Union Minister in 2004.&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |date=2008-10-19 |title=Dayanidhi Maran hands over resignation to DMK chief |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/latest-headlines/story/dayanidhi-maran-hands-over-resignation-to-dmk-chief-31894-2008-10-19 |access-date=2024-10-26 |website=India Today |language=en}}&lt;/ref&gt; Karunanidhi's grandson, M. K. Stalin's son, [[Udhayanidhi Stalin]], has been elected as an MLA in the state assembly.&lt;ref&gt;{{cite news |date=3 May 2021 |title=Tamil Nadu: Udhayanidhi Stalin wins big, cements claim to political legacy |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/tn-udhayanidhi-stalin-wins-big-cements-claim-to-political-legacy/articleshow/82362964.cms |work=timesofindia}}&lt;/ref&gt; Karunanidhi is also accused of allowing [[M. K. Alagiri|Azhagiri]] to function as an extraconstitutional authority in [[Madurai]].&lt;ref&gt;{{cite news |date=19 August 2003 |title=Charge sheet filed against Azhagiri in Kiruttinan case |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/2003/08/19/stories/2003081902600400.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031122081430/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/2003/08/19/stories/2003081902600400.htm |archive-date=22 November 2003 |access-date=11 November 2013 |work=[[The Hindu]] |location=Chennai, India}}&lt;/ref&gt;


=== M. K. Stalin’s leadership  (2018–present) ===
=== M. K. Stalin era (2018–present) ===
[[File:Hon CM Photo.jpg|thumb|[[M. K. Stalin]]]]
{{Main|M. K. Stalin}}
[[M. Karunanidhi|Karunanidhi]] died on 7 August 2018, leaving the party in the hands of his son, [[M. K. Stalin]]. Stalin had been appointed as the working president in January 2017 when his father's health started declining, and had previously been named heir apparent by his father. Stalin thus became the second DMK president since the party's inception.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/politics/mk-stalin-takes-charge-of-dmk-after-51-years-of-joining-politics-fighting-a-dynastic-battle-the-65-year-old-has-learnt-it-hard-way-5059921.html|title=MK Stalin takes charge of DMK after 51 years in politics: Fighting a dynastic battle, the 65-year-old learnt it the hard way|website=Firstpost|date=28 August 2018|access-date=29 December 2019}}</ref> On 3 February 2020, M. K. Stalin announced that [[Prashant Kishor]] was signed up as a party strategist for the upcoming [[2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election]].<ref>{{cite news |title=DMK teams up with Prashant Kishor's I-PAC for 2021 Tamil Nadu polls |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/dmk-teams-up-with-prashant-kishor-s-i-pac-for-2021-tami-nadu-polls-1642677-2020-02-03 |access-date=7 February 2020 |work=India Today |date=3 February 2020 |language=en}}</ref>


On 25 March 2018, the DMK held a statewide conference in [[Erode]] and [[M. K. Stalin]] released five slogans at the conference. They were:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tamil.samayam.com/latest-news/state-news/mk-stalin-addressed-the-followers-in-erode-dmk-meet/articleshow/63454760.cms|title=ஐம்பெரும் முழக்கங்கள்: ஈரோடு மண்டல மாநாட்டில் ஸ்டாலின் உரை|date=25 March 2018|website=Samayam Tamil|language=ta|access-date=11 August 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://minnambalam.com/k/2018/03/26/31|title=ஸ்டாலின் முன்வைத்த ஐம்பெரும் முழக்கங்கள்!|website=மின்னம்பலம்|language=ta|access-date=11 August 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tamil.oneindia.com/news/tamilnadu/mk-stalin-releases-5-slogans-dmk-315312.html|title=மதவெறியை மாய்ப்போம்- அதிகார குவியலை அடித்து நொறுக்குவோம்: திமுகவின் 5 முழக்கங்களை அறிவித்த ஸ்டாலின்|first=Priya|last=Lakshmi|date=25 March 2018|website=oneindia.com|language=ta|access-date=11 August 2019}}</ref>
{{multiple image
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| caption1          = '''Dr. M.K. Stalin'''&lt;br /&gt;President of the party
}}
[[M. Karunanidhi|Karunanidhi]] died on 7 August 2018, leaving the party in the hands of his son, [[M. K. Stalin]]. Stalin had been appointed as the working president in January 2017 when his father's health started declining and had previously been named heir apparent by his father. Stalin thus became the second DMK president since the party's inception.&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/politics/mk-stalin-takes-charge-of-dmk-after-51-years-of-joining-politics-fighting-a-dynastic-battle-the-65-year-old-has-learnt-it-hard-way-5059921.html|title=MK Stalin takes charge of DMK after 51 years in politics: Fighting a dynastic battle, the 65-year-old learnt it the hard way|website=Firstpost|date=28 August 2018|access-date=29 December 2019}}&lt;/ref&gt;


# Let's keep an eye on the Kalaignar's command
{{Multiple image
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On 25 March 2018, the DMK held a statewide conference in [[Erode]] and [[M. K. Stalin]] released five slogans at the conference. They were:&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web|url=https://tamil.samayam.com/latest-news/state-news/mk-stalin-addressed-the-followers-in-erode-dmk-meet/articleshow/63454760.cms|title=ஐம்பெரும் முழக்கங்கள்: ஈரோடு மண்டல மாநாட்டில் ஸ்டாலின் உரை|date=25 March 2018|website=Samayam Tamil|language=ta|access-date=11 August 2019}}&lt;/ref&gt;&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web|author1=மின்னம்பலம் |url=https://minnambalam.com/k/2018/03/26/31|title=ஸ்டாலின் முன்வைத்த ஐம்பெரும் முழக்கங்கள்!|website=மின்னம்பலம்|date=17 February 2019 |language=ta|access-date=11 August 2019}}&lt;/ref&gt;&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web|url=https://tamil.oneindia.com/news/tamilnadu/mk-stalin-releases-5-slogans-dmk-315312.html|title=மதவெறியை மாய்ப்போம்– அதிகார குவியலை அடித்து நொறுக்குவோம்: திமுகவின் 5 முழக்கங்களை அறிவித்த ஸ்டாலின்|first=Priya|last=Lakshmi|date=25 March 2018|website=oneindia.com|language=ta|access-date=11 August 2019}}&lt;/ref&gt;
 
# Let us keep an eye on the Kalaignar's command
# Let us grow and admire Tamil
# Let us grow and admire Tamil
# Let's crush the power pile
# Let us crush the power pile
# Let us protect the humanity from extremism
# Let us protect humanity from extremism
# Let us grow a prosperous Tamil Nadu
# Let us grow a prosperous Tamil Nadu
M.K. Stalin formed the Secular Progressive Alliance in Tamil Nadu under the [[United Progressive Alliance]] in the centre and led the alliance in the [[2019 Indian general election in Tamil Nadu|2019 general election]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/secular-progressive-alliance-will-romp-home-in-lok-sabha-polls-119033100605_1.html|title=Secular Progressive Alliance will romp home in Lok Sabha polls|agency=Press Trust of India|date=31 March 2019|work=Business Standard India|access-date=29 December 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/dmk-led-front-in-tn-christened-secular-progressive-alliance-119031500955_1.html|title=DMK-led front in TN christened "Secular Progressive Alliance"|agency=Press Trust of India|date=15 March 2019|work=Business Standard India|access-date=29 December 2019}}</ref> M.K. Stalin and his alliance in Tamil Nadu won 39 out of 40 seats in the parliament and 12 out of 21 in the Assembly with a 52% vote share.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/stalin-wins-big-but-gains-little/articleshow/69472678.cms|title=M K Stalin wins big but gains little in Tamil Nadu {{!}} Chennai News|date=24 May 2019|first=D.|last=Govardan|website=The Times of India|access-date=29 December 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/election-results-2019-mk-stalin-on-dmk-victory-in-tamil-nadu-amazed-north-united-south-astounded-ind-2046617|title="Amazed North, United South, Astounded India": MK Stalin On DMK Poll Wins|website=NDTV.com}}</ref> The DMK-led alliance won the [[2019 Tamil Nadu local elections|2019 Tamil Nadu local body elections]] under the Secular Progressive alliance.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/dmk-alliance-wins-tamil-nadu-rural-local-body-polls/articleshow/73086250.cms|title=DMK alliance wins Tamil Nadu rural local body polls|date=3 January 2020|website=The Times of India|access-date=24 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/tamil-nadu-local-body-poll-results-dmk-wins-243-district-panchayat-wards-aiadmk-214-counting-underway-1633997-2020-01-04|title=Tamil Nadu local body poll results: DMK wins 243 district panchayat wards, AIADMK 214; counting underway|date=January 4, 2020|first=Akshaya|last=Nath|website=India Today|access-date=24 March 2020}}</ref>
During 2025 end the DMK constituted a committee headed by [[Kanimozhi]], to prepare the manifesto for the [[2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election]].&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite news |last=Bureau |first=The Hindu |date=2025-12-17 |title=Kanimozhi to head DMK's 2026 Assembly election manifesto committee |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/kanimozhi-to-head-dmks-assembly-election-manifesto-committee/article70408015.ece |access-date=2026-01-05 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}&lt;/ref&gt; MK Stalin launched the party's election manifesto portal on 3 January 2026 at the party headquarters.&lt;ref name=":2"&gt;{{Cite news |date=2026-01-03 |title=Tamil Nadu elections: Stalin launches DMK manifesto portal 2026; alliance with Congress under spotlight |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/tamil-nadu-assembly-elections-stalin-launches-dmk-manifesto-portal-2026-alliance-with-congress-under-spotlight/articleshow/126320024.cms |access-date=2026-01-05 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}&lt;/ref&gt; Over 14,000 suggestions received was received from citizens across the state on the day day one.&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite news |last=Bureau |first=The Hindu |date=2026-01-04 |title=DMK receives 14,318 suggestions for manifesto on day one |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/dmk-receives-14318-suggestions-for-manifesto-on-day-one/article70470860.ece |access-date=2026-01-05 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}&lt;/ref&gt;&lt;ref name=":2" /&gt;


The DMK-led [[Secular Progressive Alliance]] won the [[2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election]]. The alliance won 159 seats out of 234 seats with 46% vote share.{{Citation needed|date=October 2021}}
==== Elections under M.K. Stalin presidency ====
 
* In the [[2019 Indian general election|2019 general election]],&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/secular-progressive-alliance-will-romp-home-in-lok-sabha-polls-119033100605_1.html|title=Secular Progressive Alliance will romp home in Lok Sabha polls|agency=Press Trust of India|date=31 March 2019|work=Business Standard India|access-date=29 December 2019}}&lt;/ref&gt;&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/dmk-led-front-in-tn-christened-secular-progressive-alliance-119031500955_1.html|title=DMK-led front in TN christened "Secular Progressive Alliance"|agency=Press Trust of India|date=15 March 2019|work=Business Standard India|access-date=29 December 2019}}&lt;/ref&gt; DMK contested as part of the [[United Progressive Alliance]] led by the [[Indian National Congress]]. The alliance secured 38 out of 39 seats in [[2019 Indian general election in Tamil Nadu|Tamil Nadu]] with a 52% vote share.&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/stalin-wins-big-but-gains-little/articleshow/69472678.cms|title=M K Stalin wins big but gains little in Tamil Nadu |date=24 May 2019|first=D.|last=Govardan|website=The Times of India|access-date=29 December 2019}}&lt;/ref&gt;&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/election-results-2019-mk-stalin-on-dmk-victory-in-tamil-nadu-amazed-north-united-south-astounded-ind-2046617|title="Amazed North, United South, Astounded India": MK Stalin On DMK Poll Wins|website=NDTV.com}}&lt;/ref&gt; and won in [[2019 Indian general election in Puducherry|Puducherry]].&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |title=Final Voter turnout of Phase 1 to Phase 7 of the Lok Sabha Elections 2019 |url=https://eci.gov.in/files/file/9997-final-voter-turnout-of-phase-1-to-phase-7-of-the-lok-sabha-elections-2019/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525003910/https://eci.gov.in/files/file/9997-final-voter-turnout-of-phase-1-to-phase-7-of-the-lok-sabha-elections-2019/ |archive-date=2019-05-25 |access-date=2025-09-11 |website=Election Commission of India |language=en-IN}}&lt;/ref&gt;&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |title=Lok Sabha Elections Party Wise Result |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/elections/lok-sabha-elections/parties |access-date=2025-09-11 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}&lt;/ref&gt;
* The DMK-led [[Secular Progressive Alliance|Secular Progressive alliance]] secured a majority in the [[2019 Tamil Nadu local elections|2019 Tamil Nadu local body elections]].&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |date=3 January 2020 |title=DMK alliance wins Tamil Nadu rural local body polls |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/dmk-alliance-wins-tamil-nadu-rural-local-body-polls/articleshow/73086250.cms |access-date=24 March 2020 |website=The Times of India}}&lt;/ref&gt;&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |last=Nath |first=Akshaya |date=January 4, 2020 |title=Tamil Nadu local body poll results: DMK wins 243 district panchayat wards, AIADMK 214; counting underway |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/tamil-nadu-local-body-poll-results-dmk-wins-243-district-panchayat-wards-aiadmk-214-counting-underway-1633997-2020-01-04 |access-date=24 March 2020 |website=India Today}}&lt;/ref&gt;
* In the [[2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2021 state assembly election]], the Secular Progressive Alliance won a majority by securing 159 seats out of 234 seats with a 46% vote share.&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |title=Tamil Nadu General Legislative Election 2021 |url=https://eci.gov.in/files/file/13680-tamil-nadu-general-legislative-election-2021/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902150932/https://eci.gov.in/files/file/13680-tamil-nadu-general-legislative-election-2021/ |archive-date=2021-09-02 |access-date=2025-09-02 |website=Election Commission of India |language=en-IN}}&lt;/ref&gt;&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |title=IndiaVotes AC: Tamil Nadu 2021 |url=https://www.indiavotes.com/vidhan-sabha/2021/tamil-nadu/283/www.indiavotes.com/vidhan-sabha/2021/tamil-nadu/283/40 |access-date=2025-09-02 |website=IndiaVotes}}&lt;/ref&gt;&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |last=Sushanth |title=Tamil nadu Assembly Election Results 2021 |url=https://www.mathrubhumi.com/result/kerala-assembly-election-2021/indepth/election_results.html |access-date=2025-09-02 |website=Mathrubhumi}}&lt;/ref&gt; Analysts partly attributed the victory to political developments within the [[All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|AIADMK]], including the rise and decline of [[V. K. Sasikala|V.K. Sasikala]], and subsequent internal leadership challenges.&lt;ref name=":1" /&gt;   
* In the [[2024 Indian general election|2024 general election]], as part of the [[INDIA Alliance]], the DMK contested 21 constituencies. The alliance won all 40 seats in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, resulting in a clean sweep in the region.&lt;ref&gt;{{cite web |date=2024-06-04 |title=Tamil Nadu election results 2024: DMK alliance sweeps Cuddalore, Villupuram, and Kallakurichi |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/dmk-alliance-sweeps-cuddalore-villupuram-and-kallakurichi/article68251459.ece#:~:text=The%20DMK%2Dled%20alliance%20made,contestants%20from%20the%20region%20%2D%20M.K. |access-date=2024-06-04 |website=The Hindu |language=en}}&lt;/ref&gt;


==Party ideology==
==Party ideology==
=== Dravidian nationalism ===
{{Social democracy sidebar}}
The [[Anti-Hindi agitations of Tamil Nadu|Anti-Hindi Imposition agitations]] of 1965 forced the [[Government of India|central government]] to abandon its efforts to use [[Hindi]] as the only official language of the country. However, Hindi usage has continued as Indian government employees are asked to write as much as 65% of the letters and memoranda in Hindi.<ref name="Palani">{{cite book|title=Polyethnicity in India and Canada: Possibilities for Exploration|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BdxwA3xDtSEC&pg=PA21|pages=21–22|last=Palanithurai|first=Ganapathy |publisher=M.D. Publications Pvt. Ltd.|year=1997|isbn=978-8-175-33039-9}}</ref>
{{Socialism sidebar}}
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam follows the principle of Duty, Dignity, and Discipline, as instructed by [[C. N. Annadurai]]. This involves protecting democratic rights in politics, establishing a non-dominant society, and carrying out reform work based on rationality to promote the revival of Dravidian ideology. The party aims to overcome poverty in the economic sphere and provide means for the well-being of all on an equitable basis. The party also aims to develop and promote the respective state languages without allowing other languages to dominate. The party believes in promoting the decentralization of powers from the Union government and creating autonomy in the states and federalism at the center.&lt;ref&gt;{{cite web |title=Party ideology|website=DMK|url=https://www.dmk.in/en/party/ideology/}}&lt;/ref&gt;
 
===Dravidian nationalism===
The [[Anti-Hindi agitations of Tamil Nadu|anti-Hindi Imposition agitations]] of 1965 forced the [[Government of India|central government]] to abandon its efforts to use [[Hindi]] as the only official language of the country.


=== State autonomy ===
=== State autonomy ===
After [[The Emergency (India)|The Emergency]] invoked by Indira Gandhi, more state powers like education and medical care were moved from state control to national control. At the state conference in [[Tiruchirappalli|Trichy]] after the death of C.N. Annadurai, M. Karunanidhi announced the adoption of the "state autonomy" principle to advocate for state self-governance. In April 1974, the DMK government brought in a resolution in the House urging the centre to accept the Rajamannar Committee recommendations on state autonomy and amend the Constitution of India to pave the way for a truly federal system.<ref name="Palani" />
After [[The Emergency (India)|The Emergency]] invoked by Indira Gandhi, more state powers like education and medical care were moved from state control to national control. At the state conference in [[Tiruchirappalli|Trichy]] after the death of Annadurai, Karunanidhi announced the adoption of the "state autonomy" principle to advocate for state self-governance. In April 1974, the DMK government brought in a resolution in the House urging the centre to accept the Rajamannar Committee recommendations on state autonomy and amend the Constitution of India to pave the way for a truly federal system.{{Sfn|Palanithurai|1997|pp=21–22}}


=== Social justice ===
=== Social justice ===
The DMK reconstituted the disabled persons welfare board to Differently Abled Persons Departments and the changed official terms for transgender individuals to more respectful terms like Thirunangai and Thirunambi.<ref name="Nadika">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/self-respect-weddings-transgender-rights-karunanidhi-leader-minorities-86159|title=Self-respect weddings to transgender rights: Karunanidhi, a leader of minorities|last=N|first=Nadika|website=newsminute.com|access-date=24 March 2020}}</ref>
The DMK has been involved in the protest for [[OBC quota|OBC]] reservation, ensuring the provision legalizing OBC reservation.&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web|url=https://www.india.gov.in/my-government/constitution-india/amendments/constitution-india-first-amendment-act-1951|title=THE CONSTITUTION (FIRST AMENDMENT) ACT, 1951&amp;#124; National Portal of India|website=www.india.gov.in}}&lt;/ref&gt;&lt;ref&gt;{{cite web |title=protest of Periyar and Anna| url=https://madrasmusings.com/Vol%2020%20No%2010/the-road-to-fort-st-george.html}}&lt;/ref&gt; The party holds OBC welfare as a tenet of its core ideology&lt;ref&gt;{{cite news |title=Stalin welcomes Supreme court order favouring OBC reservation in medical courses |newspaper=The Economic Times |date=8 January 2022 |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/dmk-welcomes-sc-order-on-obc-quota-in-medical-courses/articleshow/88767324.cms}}&lt;/ref&gt; and has implemented [[Reservation in India|reservation]] related policies in favour of OBCs &lt;ref&gt;{{cite web |title=source article |date=29 March 2021 |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/tamil-nadu/how-tamil-nadu-s-reservation-stands-69-despite-50-quota-cap-146116}}&lt;/ref&gt; and [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes|SCs]].&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |title=Temple to honour DMK leader Karunanidhi to be built in Tamil Nadu |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/temple-to-honour-dmk-leader-karunanidhi-to-be-built-in-tamil-nadu-5935903/|website=The Indian Express |date=25 August 2019 |language=en}}&lt;/ref&gt;
 
The DMK reconstituted the disabled persons welfare board to Differently Abled Persons Departments and changed official terms for transgender individuals to more respectful terms like "Thirunangai" and "Thirunambi".&lt;ref name="Nadika"&gt;{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/self-respect-weddings-transgender-rights-karunanidhi-leader-minorities-86159|title=Self-respect weddings to transgender rights: Karunanidhi, a leader of minorities|last=N|first=Nadika|website=newsminute.com|date=7 August 2018 |access-date=24 March 2020}}&lt;/ref&gt;


== Party symbol ==
== Party symbol ==
The party's election symbol is the "sun rising from between two mountains", with a black and red flag often pictured. The symbol was inspired by the leader and scriptwriter M. Karunanidhi's 1950s play ''Udaya Suryan'', and is intended to signify the "rising" spirit of the Dravidian people.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/story-udaya-suriyan-how-rising-sun-became-symbol-dmk-43247|title=The story of Udaya Suriyan: How the rising sun became the symbol of DMK|date=14 May 2016}}</ref>
The party's election symbol is the "sun rising from between two mountains", with a black and red flag pictured. The symbol was inspired by the Karunanidhi's 1950s play ''Udaya Suryan'' and is intended to signify the "rising" spirit of the Dravidian people.&lt;ref&gt;{{cite web |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/story-udaya-suriyan-how-rising-sun-became-symbol-dmk-43247|title=The story of Udaya Suriyan: How the rising sun became the symbol of DMK|date=14 May 2016}}&lt;/ref&gt;


In the 1957 poll, the DMK was not recognized by the Election Commission. The party was grouped as independents and was not united by its rising sun symbol and was forced to contest under the rooster symbol.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/story-udaya-suriyan-how-rising-sun-became-symbol-dmk-43247|title=The story of Udaya Suriyan: How the rising sun became the symbol of DMK|last=Isaac|first=Anna|date=n.d.|website=thenewsminute.com|access-date=24 March 2020}}</ref>
In the 1957 poll, the DMK was not recognized by the Election Commission. The party was grouped as independents and was not united by its rising sun symbol and was forced to contest under the rooster symbol.&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/story-udaya-suriyan-how-rising-sun-became-symbol-dmk-43247|title=The story of Udaya Suriyan: How the rising sun became the symbol of DMK|last=Isaac|first=Anna|date=n.d.|website=thenewsminute.com|access-date=24 March 2020}}&lt;/ref&gt;


==Election history==
==Electoral history==
=== Parliament General elections in Tamil Nadu ===
===Lok Sabha Elections===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;"
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;"
|+
|+
!Style="background-color:#FF0000; color:white"| Year
!style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}};color:white"|Year
!Style="background-color:#FF0000; color:white"|Party leader
!style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}};color:white"|Party leader
!Style="background-color:#FF0000; color:white"| Seats won
!style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}};color:white"|Seats won
!Style="background-color:#FF0000; color:white"| Change in seats
!style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}};color:white"|Change in seats
!Style="background-color:#FF0000; color:white"| Percentage of votes
!style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}};color:white"|Percentage of votes
!Style="background-color:#FF0000; color:white"| Popular vote
!style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}};color:white"|Popular vote
!Style="background-color:#FF0000; color:white"|Outcome
!style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}};color:white"|Outcome
|-
| [[1957 Indian general election|1957]]
|rowspan=3|[[C. N. Annadurai]]
|{{Composition bar|8|41|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| {{increase}} 9
| –
| –
|{{no2|Opposition}}
|-
|-
| [[1962 Indian general election|1962]]
| [[1962 Indian general election|1962]]
|{{Composition bar|7|41|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| rowspan=2|[[C. N. Annadurai]]
| {{decrease}} 1
| {{Composition bar compact|7|41|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| {{increase}} 5
| 18.64%
| 18.64%
| 2,315,610
| 2,315,610
| {{no2|Opposition}}
| rowspan="2" {{no2|Opposition}}
|-
|-
| [[1967 Indian general election|1967]]
| [[1967 Indian general election|1967]]
|{{Composition bar|25|39|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
|{{Composition bar compact|25|25|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| {{increase}} 18
| {{increase}} 18
| 51.79%
| 51.79%
| 7,996,264
| 7,996,264
| {{no2|Opposition}}
|-
|-
| [[1971 Indian general election|1971]]
| [[1971 Indian general election|1971]]
|rowspan=12|[[M. Karunanidhi]]
|rowspan=12|[[M. Karunanidhi]]
|{{Composition bar|23|39|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
|{{Composition bar compact|23|23|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| {{decrease}} 2
| {{decrease}} 2
| 55.61%  
| 55.61%
| 8,869,095
| 8,869,095
| {{yes2|Government}}
| {{yes2|Government}}
|-
|-
| [[1977 Indian general election|1977]]
| [[1977 Indian general election|1977]]
|{{Composition bar|1|39|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
|{{Composition bar compact|1|19|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| {{decrease}} 22
| {{decrease}} 22
| 37.84%  
| 37.84%
| 6,758,517
| 6,758,517
| {{no2|Opposition/Central Government Alliance Support}}
| {{no2|Opposition}}
|-
|-
| [[1980 Indian general election|1980]]
| [[1980 Indian general election|1980]]
|{{Composition bar|16|39|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
|{{Composition bar compact|16|16|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| {{increase}} 15
| {{increase}} 15
| 55.89%  
| 55.89%
| 10,290,515
| 10,290,515
| {{yes2|Government}}
| {{yes2|Government}}
|-  
|-
| [[1984 Indian general election|1984]]
| [[1984 Indian general election|1984]]
|{{Composition bar|2|39|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
|{{Composition bar compact|2|28|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| {{decrease}} 14
| {{decrease}} 14
| 37.04%  
| 37.04%
| 8,006,513
| 8,006,513
| {{no2|Opposition}}
| {{no2|Opposition}}
|-
|-
| [[1989 Indian general election|1989]]
| [[1989 Indian general election|1989]]
|{{Composition bar|0|39|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
|{{Composition bar compact|0|32|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| {{decrease}} 2
| {{decrease}} 2
| 33.78%
| 33.78%
| 8,918,905
| 8,918,905
| {{no2|Lost/Central Government Alliance Support}}
|rowspan="2" {{lost|Lost}}
|-
|-
| [[1991 Indian general election|1991]]
| [[1991 Indian general election|1991]]
|{{Composition bar|0|39|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
|{{Composition bar compact|0|29|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| {{steady}}
| {{steady}}
| 27.64%  
| 27.64%
| 6,823,581
| 6,823,581
| {{no2|Lost}}
|-
|-
| [[1996 Indian general election|1996]]
| [[1996 Indian general election|1996]]
|{{Composition bar|17|39|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
|{{Composition bar compact|17|18|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| {{increase}} 17
| {{increase}} 17
| 54.96%
| 54.96%
| 14,940,474  
| 14,940,474
| {{yes2|Government}}
| {{yes2|Government}}
|-
|-
| [[1998 Indian general election|1998]]
| [[1998 Indian general election|1998]]
|{{Composition bar|6|39|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
|{{Composition bar compact|6|18|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| {{decrease}} 11
| {{decrease}} 11
| 42.72%  
| 42.72%
| 10,937,809
| 10,937,809
| {{no2|Opposition}}
| {{no2|Opposition}}
|-
|-
| [[1999 Indian general election|1999]]
| [[1999 Indian general election|1999]]
|{{Composition bar|12|39|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
|{{Composition bar compact|12|18|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| {{increase}} 6
| {{increase}} 6
| 46.41%
| 46.41%
| 12,638,602
| 12,638,602
| {{yes2|Government}}
| rowspan="3" {{yes2|Government}}
|-
|-
| [[2004 Indian general election|2004]]
| [[2004 Indian general election|2004]]
|{{Composition bar|16|39|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
|{{Composition bar compact|16|16|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| {{increase}} 4
| {{increase}} 4
| 57.40%  
| 57.40%
| 16,483,390
| 16,483,390
| {{yes2|Government}}
|-
|-
| [[2009 Indian general election|2009]]
| [[2009 Indian general election|2009]]
|{{Composition bar|18|39|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
|{{Composition bar compact|18|21|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| {{increase}} 2
| {{increase}} 2
| 42.54%
| 42.54%
| 12,929,043  
| 12,929,043
| {{yes2|Government}}
|-
|-
| [[2014 Indian general election|2014]]
| [[2014 Indian general election|2014]]
|{{Composition bar|0|39|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
|{{Composition bar compact|0|34|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| {{decrease}} 18
| {{decrease}} 18
| 26.8%  
| 23.16%
| 10,243,767  
| 10,243,767
| {{no2|Lost}}
| {{lost|Lost}}
|-
|-
| [[2019 Indian general election|2019]]
|[[2019 Indian general election|2019]]
|[[M. K. Stalin]]
|rowspan=2|[[M. K. Stalin]]
|{{Composition bar|24|39|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
|{{Composition bar compact|24|24|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| {{increase}} 24
|{{increase}} 24
| 52%  
|32.76%
|14,363,332
|14,363,332
| {{no2|Opposition}}
| {{no2|Opposition}}
|-
|[[2024 Indian general election|2024]]
|{{Composition bar compact|22|22|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
|{{Decrease}} 2
|26.93%
|11,689,879| 11,689,879
|{{No2|Opposition}}
|}
|}


=== Tamil Nadu Assembly election ===
{{Vertical bar chart
|1962|7
|1967|25
|1971|23
|1977|1
|1980|16
|1984|2
|1989|0
|1991|0
|1996|17
|1998|6
|1999|12
|2004|16
|2009|18
|2014|0
|2019|24
|2024|22
|full_name=All time–DMK Lok Sabha seat count
|type=demographic
|color=red
}}
 
=== Legislative Assembly elections ===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;"
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;"
|+
|+
!Style="background-color:#FF0000; color:white"| Year
!style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}};color:white"|Year
!Style="background-color:#FF0000; color:white"|Party leader
!style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}};color:white"|Party leader
!Style="background-color:#FF0000; color:white"| Seats won
!style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}};color:white"|Seats won
!Style="background-color:#FF0000; color:white"| Change in seats
!style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}};color:white"|Change in seats
!Style="background-color:#FF0000; color:white"| Percentage of votes
!style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}};color:white"|Percentage of votes
!Style="background-color:#FF0000; color:white"| Popular vote
!style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}};color:white"|Popular vote
!Style="background-color:#FF0000; color:white"|Outcome
!style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}};color:white"|Outcome
|-
!colspan=11 |[[Puducherry Legislative Assembly|Puducherry]]
|-
| [[1974 Pondicherry Legislative Assembly election|1974]]
|rowspan=11|[[M. Karunanidhi]]
|{{Composition bar compact|2|30|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| {{increase}} 2
|
| 47,823
| rowspan="2" {{no2|Opposition}}
|-
| [[1977 Pondicherry Legislative Assembly election|1977]]
|{{Composition bar compact|3|30|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| {{increase}} 1
|
| 30,441
|-
| [[1980 Pondicherry Legislative Assembly election|1980]]
|{{Composition bar compact|14|30|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| {{increase}} 11
|
| 68,030
| {{yes2|Government}}
|-
| [[1985 Pondicherry Legislative Assembly election|1985]]
|{{Composition bar compact|5|30|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| {{decrease}} 9
|
| 87,754
| {{partial|Others}}
|-
| [[1990 Pondicherry Legislative Assembly election|1990]]
|{{Composition bar compact|9|30|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| {{increase}} 4
|
| 101,127
| {{yes2|Government}}
|-
| [[1991 Pondicherry Legislative Assembly election|1991]]
|{{Composition bar compact|4|30|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| {{decrease}} 5
|
| 96,607
| {{no2|Opposition}}
|-
| [[1996 Pondicherry Legislative Assembly election|1996]]
|{{Composition bar compact|7|30|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| {{increase}} 3
|
| 105,392
| {{yes2|Government}}
|-
| [[2001 Pondicherry Legislative Assembly election|2001]]
|{{Composition bar compact|7|30|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| {{steady}}
|
| 83,679
| {{no2|Opposition}}
|-
| [[2006 Puducherry Legislative Assembly election|2006]]
|{{Composition bar compact|7|30|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| {{steady}}
|
|
| {{yes2|Government}}
|-
| [[2011 Puducherry Legislative Assembly election|2011]]
|{{Composition bar compact|3|30|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| {{decrease}} 4
| 10.68%
| 74,552
| {{no2|Opposition}}
|-
| [[2016 Puducherry Legislative Assembly election|2016]]
|{{Composition bar compact|2|30|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| {{decrease}} 1
| 8.9%
| 70,836
| {{yes2|Government}}
|-
|-
| [[1957 Madras Legislative Assembly election|1957]]
| [[2021 Puducherry Legislative Assembly election|2021]]
|rowspan=3|[[C. N. Annadurai]]
|[[M. K. Stalin]]
|{{Composition bar|15|205|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
|{{Composition bar compact|6|30|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| {{increase}} 15
|{{increase}} 4
|
| 18.51%
|
|154,858
| {{no2|opposition}}
|{{no2|Opposition}}
|-                                  |-
!colspan=11 |[[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly|Tamil Nadu]]
|-
|-
| [[1962 Madras Legislative Assembly election|1962]]
| [[1962 Madras Legislative Assembly election|1962]]
|{{Composition bar|50|205|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
|rowspan=2|[[C. N. Annadurai]]
|{{Composition bar compact|50|205|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| {{increase}} 37
| {{increase}} 37
| 27.10%  
| 27.10%
| 3,435,633  
| 3,435,633
| {{no2|opposition}}
| {{no2|Opposition}}
|-
|-
| [[1967 Madras Legislative Assembly election|1967]]
| [[1967 Madras Legislative Assembly election|1967]]
|{{Composition bar|137|234|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
|{{Composition bar compact|137|234|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| {{increase}} 87
| {{increase}} 87
| 40.69%
| 40.69%
| 6,230,556
| 6,230,556
| {{yes2|government}}
| rowspan="2" {{yes2|Government}}
|- style="text-align:center;"
|- style="text-align:center;"
| [[1971 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|1971]]
| [[1971 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|1971]]
|rowspan=11|[[M. Karunanidhi]]
|rowspan=11|[[M. Karunanidhi]]
|{{Composition bar|184|234|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
|{{Composition bar compact|184|234|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| {{increase}} 47
| {{increase}} 47
| 48.58%
| 48.58%
| 7,654,935  
| 7,654,935
| {{yes2|government}}
|-
|-
| [[1977 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|1977]]
| [[1977 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|1977]]
|{{Composition bar|48|234|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
|{{Composition bar compact|48|234|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| {{decrease}} 136
| {{decrease}} 136
| 24.89%  
| 24.89%
| 4,258,771  
| 4,258,771
| {{no2|opposition}}
| rowspan="2" {{no2|Opposition}}
|-
|-
| [[1980 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|1980]]
| [[1980 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|1980]]
|{{Composition bar|37|234|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
|{{Composition bar compact|37|234|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| {{decrease}} 11
| {{decrease}} 11
| 22.1%  
| 22.1%
| 4,164,389  
| 4,164,389
| {{no2|opposition}}
|-
|-
| [[1984 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|1984]]
| [[1984 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|1984]]
|{{Composition bar|24|234|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
|{{Composition bar compact|24|234|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| {{decrease}} 13
| {{decrease}} 13
| 29.3%  
| 29.3%
| 6,362,770
| 6,362,770
| {{no2|opposition}}
| {{partial|Others}}
|-
|-
| [[1989 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|1989]]
| [[1989 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|1989]]
|{{Composition bar|150|234|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
|{{Composition bar compact|150|234|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| {{increase}} 116
| {{increase}} 116
| 37.89%
| 37.89%
| 9,135,220  
| 9,135,220
| {{yes2|government}}
| {{yes2|Government}}
|-
|-
| [[1991 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|1991]]
| [[1991 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|1991]]
|{{Composition bar|2|234|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
|{{Composition bar compact|2|234|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| {{decrease}} 148
| {{decrease}} 148
| 22.5%  
| 22.5%
| 5,535,668
| 5,535,668
| {{partial|others}}
| {{partial|Others}}
|-
|-
| [[1996 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|1996]]
| [[1996 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|1996]]
|{{Composition bar|173|234|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
|{{Composition bar compact|173|234|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| {{increase}} 171
| {{increase}} 171
| 53.77%
| 53.77%
| 14,600,748
| 14,600,748
| {{yes2|government}}
| {{yes2|Government}}
|-
|-
| [[2001 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2001]]
| [[2001 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2001]]
|{{Composition bar|31|234|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
|{{Composition bar compact|31|234|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| {{decrease}} 142
| {{decrease}} 142
| 30.90%
| 30.90%
| 8,669,864  
| 8,669,864
| {{no2|opposition}}
| {{no2|Opposition}}
|-
|-
| [[2006 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2006]]
| [[2006 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2006]]
|{{Composition bar|96|234|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| {{Composition bar compact|96|234|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| {{increase}} 65
| {{increase}} 65
| 26.50%
| 26.50%
| 8,728,716
| 8,728,716
| {{yes2|government}}
| {{yes2|Minority&lt;br /&gt;Government}}
|-
|-
| [[2011 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2011]]
| [[2011 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2011]]
|{{Composition bar|23|234|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
|{{Composition bar compact|23|234|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| {{decrease}} 73
| {{decrease}} 73
| 22.40%  
| 22.40%
| 8,249,991
| 8,249,991
| {{partial|others}}
| {{partial|Others}}
|-
|-
| [[2016 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2016]]
| [[2016 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2016]]
|{{Composition bar|89|234|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
|{{Composition bar compact|89|234|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
| {{increase}} 66
| {{increase}} 66
| 31.39%  
| 31.39%
| 13,670,511
| 13,670,511
| {{no2|opposition}}
| {{no2|Opposition}}
|-
|-
| [[2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2021]]
| [[2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2021]]
|[[M. K. Stalin]]
|[[M. K. Stalin]]
|{{Composition bar|133|234|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
|{{Composition bar compact|133|234|{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
|{{increase}} 44
|{{increase}} 44
|37.7%
|37.7%
|1,74,30,179
|17,430,179
|{{yes2|government}}
|{{yes2|Government}}
|}{{Vertical bar chart
|1962|50
|1967|137
|1971|184
|1977|48
|1980|37
|1984|24
|1989|150
|1991|2
|1996|173
|2001|31
|2006|96
|2011|23
|2016|89
|2021|133
|full_name=All time–DMK Assembly seat count (Tamil Nadu)
|type=demographic
|color=red
}}{{Vertical bar chart
|1974|2
|1977|3
|1980|14
|1985|5
|1990|9
|1991|4
|1996|7
|2001|7
|2006|7
|2011|3
|2016|2
|2021|6
|full_name=All time–DMK Assembly seat count (Puducherry)
|type=demographic
|color=red
}}
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|+[[Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly]] Elections
!style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Year
!style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Assembly
!style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Party leader
!style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Seats contested
!style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Seats won
!style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Change in seats
!style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Percentage of votes
!style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Vote swing
!style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Popular vote
!style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Outcome
|-
|[[1972 Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly election|1972]]
|5th
|rowspan=2|[[M.&amp;nbsp;Karunanidhi]]
|3
|{{Composition bar compact|0|287|{{party color|DMK}}}}
|{{steady}}
|0.26%
|{{steady}}
|36,466
|rowspan=2 {{lost|Lost}}
|-
|[[1978 Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly election|1978]]
|6th
|2
|{{Composition bar compact|0|294|{{party color|DMK}}}}
|{{steady}}
|0.03%
|{{decrease}} 0.23%
|6,547
|}
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|+[[Karnataka Legislative Assembly]] Elections
!style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Year
!style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Assembly
!style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Party leader
!style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Seats contested
!style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Seats won
!style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Change in seats
!style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Percentage of votes
!style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Vote swing
!style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Popular vote
!style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Outcome
|-
|[[1978 Karnataka Legislative Assembly election|1978]]
|6th
|[[M.&amp;nbsp;Karunanidhi]]
|3
|{{Composition bar compact|0|224|{{party color|DMK}}}}
|{{steady}}
|0.13%
|{{steady}}
|16,437
|{{lost|Lost}}
|}
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|+[[Kerala Legislative Assembly]] Elections
!style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Year
!style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Assembly
!style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Party leader
!style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Seats contested
!style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Seats won
!style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Change in seats
!style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Percentage of votes
!style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Vote swing
!style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Popular vote
!style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Outcome
|-
|[[1970 Kerala Legislative Assembly election|1970]]
|4th
|[[M.&amp;nbsp;Karunanidhi]]
|1
|{{Composition bar compact|0|133|{{party color|DMK}}}}
|{{steady}}
|0.02%
|{{steady}}
|1,682
|{{lost|Lost}}
|}
 
==Current office bearers and prominent members==
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:left;
!style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}};color:white"|Member
!style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}};color:white"|Position in Government
!style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}};color:white"|Party Position
|-
|[[M. K. Stalin]]
|
*[[Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu]]
*[[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|Member]] of the [[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly|Legislative Assembly]] from  [[Kolathur Assembly constituency|Kolathur]]
*Former [[Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu]]
|President
|-
|[[Duraimurugan]]
|
*Minister for Water Resources of Tamil Nadu
*[[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|Member]] of the [[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly|Legislative Assembly]] from  [[Katpadi Assembly constituency|Katpadi]]
*[[List of leaders of the house in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly|Leader of the House in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly]]
|General Secretary
|-
|[[T. R. Baalu]]
|
*[[Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha]] from [[Sriperumbudur Lok Sabha constituency|Sriperumbudur]]
*Former Minister of Shipping of the Republic of India
*Former [[Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha]]
|Treasurer and Lok Sabha Leader
|-
|[[K. N. Nehru]]
|
*Minister for Municipal Administration
*[[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|Member]] of the [[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly|Legislative Assembly]] from [[Tiruchirappalli West Assembly constituency|Tiruchirappalli West]]
|Party Principal Secretary
|-
|[[I. Periyasamy]]
|
* Minister for Rural Administration
* MLA from [[Athoor (state assembly constituency)|Aathoor]]
|Deputy General Secretary
|- style="text-align:left;
|[[Tiruchi N. Siva|Tiruchi Siva]]&lt;ref&gt;{{cite web | url=https://www.dtnext.in/news/tamilnadu/dmk-mp-tiruchi-siva-appointed-new-party-deputy-general-secretary-829676 | title=DMK MP Tiruchi Siva appointed new party deputy general secretary | website=[[DT Next]] | date=11 April 2025 }}&lt;/ref&gt;&lt;ref&gt;{{cite web | url=https://www.dtnext.in/news/tamilnadu/dmk-removes-minister-ponmudy-from-the-post-of-deputy-general-secretary-829675 | title=Stalin sacks Ponmudy from party post over his 'vulgar' remarks | website=[[DT Next]] | date=11 April 2025 }}&lt;/ref&gt;
|
* Leader of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in Rajya Sabha
* [[Rajya Sabha|Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha]]
|Deputy General Secretary
|- style="text-align:left;
|[[A. Raja]]
|
* Member of Parliament (LS) from [[Nilgiris Lok Sabha constituency|Nilgiris]]
* Former Union Minister for Information Technology
|Deputy General Secretary
|- style="text-align:left;
|[[P. Selvarasu|Anthiyur P. Selvaraj]]
|
* Member of Rajya Sabha,
* Former State Minister for Handlooms and Textile
|Deputy General Secretary
|- style="text-align:left;
|[[Kanimozhi Karunanidhi]]
|
* [[Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha]] from [[Thoothukkudi Lok Sabha constituency|Thoothukkudi]]
* Former [[Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha]]
|{{ubl|Deputy General Secretary and|Parliamentary Chairperson}}
|- style="text-align:left;
|[[R. S. Bharathi]]&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web|url=https://rajyasabha.nic.in/rsnew/member_site/Main.aspx|title=R. S. Bharathi profile|work=Rajya Sabha}}&lt;/ref&gt;
|
* Former Member of Parliament (RS)
* Former Chairman of Alandur Municipality
|Organization Secretary
|- style="text-align:left;
|[[T. K. S. Elangovan]]&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web|url=https://archive.india.gov.in/govt/loksabhampbiodata.php?mpcode=4533|title=TKS Elangovan profile|work=Government of India}}{{Dead link|date=February 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}&lt;/ref&gt;
|
* Former Member of Parliament (RS)
|Official Spokesperson
|- style="text-align:left;
|[[Udhayanidhi Stalin]]
|
* Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
* Minister for Planning and Development
* Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development of Tamil Nadu
* Member of Legislative Assembly from [[Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni Assembly constituency|Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni]]
|Youth Wing Secretary
|- style="text-align:left;
|[[Dr. T R B Rajaa]]
|
* Minister for Industries,Investments and Commerce
* Member of Legislative Assembly from [[Mannargudi (state assembly constituency)|Mannargudi]]
|Information Technology Wing Secretary
|- style="text-align:left;
|Helena Davidson
|
* Former Member of Parliament (LS) from [[Kanniyakumari Lok Sabha constituency|Kanniyakumari]]
| Women's Wing Secretary
|- style="text-align:left;
|[[C. V. M. P. Ezhilarasan|CVMP Ezhilarasan]]
|
* Member of Legislative Assembly from [[Kancheepuram (state assembly constituency)|Kancheepuram]]
|Students' Wing Secretary
|- style="text-align:left;
| |[[Dayanidhi Maran]]
|
* Member of Parliament (LS) from [[Chennai Central Lok Sabha constituency|Central Chennai]]
* Former Union Minister for Information Technology
| Sports Wing Secretary
|-
|[[Palanivel Thiagarajan]]
|
* Minister for Information Technology and Digital Services
* Member of Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly from [[Madurai Central Assembly constituency|Madurai Central]]
|Assets Committee Secretary
|- style="text-align:left;
|[[Ezhilan Naganathan|Dr Ezhilan Naganathan]]
|
* Member of Legislative Assembly from [[Thousand Lights Assembly constituency|Thousand Lights]]
|Medical Wing Secretary
|- style="text-align:left;
|M M Abdulla
|
* Member of Parliament (RS)
|NRI Wing Secretary
|}
|}


=== Puducherry ===
==List of party leaders==
{| class="wikitable sortable
===Presidents===
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|No.
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Portrait
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Name&lt;br/&gt;{{small|(Birth–Death)}}
!colspan=3 style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Term in office
|-
|-
! Year || Election || Votes polled || Seats won
!style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Assumed office
!style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Left office
!style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Time in office
|-
|-
| 1974 || 3rd Assembly || 47,823 || 2
!1
|[[File:M. Karunanidhi .jpg|100px]]
|'''[[M. Karunanidhi]]'''&lt;br/&gt;&lt;small&gt;(1924–2018)&lt;/small&gt;
|27 July 1969
|7 August 2018
|{{age in years and days|1969|07|27|2018|8|7}}
|-
|-
| 1977 || 4th Assembly || 30,441 || 3
!2                                 
|[[File:The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru MK Stalin.jpg|133x133px|The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru MK Stalin]]
|'''[[M. K. Stalin]]'''&lt;br/&gt;&lt;small&gt;(born in 1953)&lt;/small&gt;
|28 August 2018
|''incumbent''
|rowspan=2|{{age in years and days|2018|08|28}}
|}
 
===Working President===
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|No.
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Portrait
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Name&lt;br/&gt;{{small|(Birth–Death)}}
!colspan=3 style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Term in office
|-
|-
| 1980 || 5th Assembly || 68,030 || 14
!1
|[[File:The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru MK Stalin.jpg|133x133px|The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru MK Stalin]]
|'''[[M. K. Stalin]]'''&lt;br/&gt;&lt;small&gt;(born in 1953)&lt;/small&gt;
|4 January 2017
|27 August 2018
|{{age in years and days|2017|01|04|2018|08|27}}
|}
 
===General Secretaries===
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|No.
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Portrait
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Name&lt;br/&gt;{{small|(Birth–Death)}}
!colspan=3 style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Term in office
|-
|-
| 1985 || 6th Assembly || 87,754 || 5
!style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Assumed office
!style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Left office
!style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Time in office
|-
|-
| 1990 || 7th Assembly || 101,127 || 9
!rowspan=2|1
|rowspan=2|[[File:CN Annadurai.jpg|100px]]
|rowspan=2|'''[[C. N. Annadurai]]'''&lt;br/&gt;&lt;small&gt;(1909–1969)&lt;/small&gt;
|17 September 1949
|24 April 1955
|rowspan=2|13 years, 350 days
|-
|-
| 1991 || 8th Assembly || 96,607 || 4
|25 September 1960
|3 February 1969
|-
|-
| 1996 || 9th Assembly || 105,392 || 7
!rowspan=2|2
|rowspan=2|[[File:Blank.svg|100px]]&lt;!-- Do not use placeholder images per WP:IPH --&gt;
|rowspan=2|'''[[V. R. Nedunchezhiyan]]'''&lt;br/&gt;&lt;small&gt;(1920–2000)&lt;/small&gt;
|24 April 1955
|24 September 1960
|rowspan=2|13 years, 254 days
|-
|-
| 2001 || 10th Assembly || 83,679 || 7
|4 February 1969
|16 May 1977
|-
|-
| 2006 || 11th Assembly || || 7
!3
|[[File:Anbazhagan2006.jpg|100px]]
|'''[[K. Anbazhagan]]'''&lt;br/&gt;&lt;small&gt;(1922–2020)&lt;/small&gt;
|17 May 1977
|7 March 2020
|42 years, 295 days
|-
|-
| 2011 || 12th Assembly || || 3
!4
|[[File:Blank.svg|100px]]&lt;!-- Do not use placeholder images per WP:IPH --&gt;
|'''[[Duraimurugan]]'''&lt;br/&gt;&lt;small&gt;(born in 1938)&lt;/small&gt;
|9 September 2020
|''Incumbent''
|{{age in years and days|2020|09|09}}
|}
 
==List of chief ministers==
=== Chief Minister of Madras State ===
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;"
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|No.
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Portrait
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Name&lt;br/&gt;{{small|(Birth–Death)}}
!colspan=3 style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Term in office
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|[[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly|{{white|Assembly}}]]&lt;br/&gt;{{small|([[Elections in Tamil Nadu|{{white|Election}}]])}}
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Elected constituency
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Ministry
|-
|-
| 2016 || 13th Assembly || || 2
!style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Assumed office
!style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Left office
!style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Time in office
|-
|-
| 2021 || 14th Assembly || 154,858<ref>{{Cite web|title=Election Commission of India|url=https://results.eci.gov.in/Result2021/partywiseresult-U07.htm?st=U07|access-date=2021-05-02|website=results.eci.gov.in}}</ref>|| 6<ref>{{Cite web|title=Puducherry Election Results 2021: Check Full List of Winners|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/puducherry-election-results-2021-check-full-list-of-winners-2426742|access-date=2021-05-02|website=NDTV.com}}</ref>
!1
|[[File:CN Annadurai.jpg|100px]]
|'''[[C. N. Annadurai]]'''&lt;br/&gt;&lt;small&gt;(1909–1969)&lt;/small&gt;
|6 March 1967
|13 January 1969
|1 year, 313 days
|[[4th Madras State Assembly|4th]]&lt;br/&gt;{{small|([[1967 Madras State Legislative Assembly election|1967]])}}
|[[State legislative councils of India#Member of the Legislative Council|Member]] of the [[Tamil Nadu Legislative Council|Legislative Council]]
|[[Annadurai ministry|Annadurai]]
|}
|}


{| class="wikitable sortable
===Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu===
{{further|List of chief ministers of Tamil Nadu}}
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;"
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#FF0000;color:white"|No.
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#FF0000;color:white"|Portrait
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#FF0000;color:white"|Name&lt;br /&gt;{{small|(Birth–Death)}}
!colspan=3 style="background-color:#FF0000;color:white"|Term in office
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#FF0000;color:white"|Ministry
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#FF0000;color:white"|Constituency
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#FF0000;color:white"|Assembly&lt;br /&gt;{{small|Election}}
|-
!style="background-color:#FF0000;color:white"|Start
!style="background-color:#FF0000;color:white"|End
!style="background-color:#FF0000;color:white"|Duration&lt;br /&gt;{{small|in days}}
|-
!rowspan=1|1
|rowspan=1|[[File:CN Annadurai.jpg|100px]]
|rowspan=1|'''[[C. N. Annadurai]]'''&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;(1909–1969)&lt;/small&gt;
|14 January 1969
|3 February 1969
!'''20 days'''
|[[Annadurai ministry|Annadurai]]
|[[Tamil Nadu Legislative Council]]
|[[4th Madras State Assembly|4th]]&lt;br /&gt;[[1967 Madras State Legislative Assembly election|&lt;small&gt;(1967)&lt;/small&gt;]]
|-
!rowspan=1|Acting
|rowspan=1|[[File:Blank.svg|100px]]&lt;!-- Do not use placeholder images per WP:IPH --&gt;
|rowspan=1|'''[[V. R. Nedunchezhiyan]]'''&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;(1910–1988)&lt;/small&gt;
|3 February 1969
|10 February 1969
!'''7 days'''
|[[First Nedunchezhiyan ministry|Nedunchezhiyan I]]
|[[Triplicane Assembly constituency|Triplicane]]
|[[4th Madras State Assembly|4th]]&lt;br /&gt;[[1967 Madras State Legislative Assembly election|&lt;small&gt;(1967)&lt;/small&gt;]]
|-
!rowspan=5|2
|rowspan=5|[[File:M. Karunanidhi .jpg|100px]]
|rowspan=5|'''[[M. Karunanidhi]]'''&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;(1924–2018)&lt;/small&gt;
|10 February 1969
|14 March 1971
!'''{{ayd|1969|2|10|1971|3|14}}'''
|[[First Karunanidhi ministry|Karunanidhi I]]
|rowspan="2"|[[Saidapet Assembly constituency|Saidapet]]
|[[4th Madras State Assembly|4th]]&lt;br /&gt;[[1967 Madras State Legislative Assembly election|&lt;small&gt;(1967)&lt;/small&gt;]]
|-
|15 March 1971
|31 January 1976
!'''{{ayd|1971|3|15|1976|1|31}}'''
|[[Second Karunanidhi ministry|Karunanidhi II]]
|5th&lt;br /&gt;{{small|(1971)}}
|-
|27 January 1989
|30 January 1991
!'''{{ayd|1989|1|27|1991|1|30}}'''
|[[Third Karunanidhi ministry|Karunanidhi III]]
|[[Harbour Assembly constituency|Harbour]]
|11th&lt;br /&gt;[[1989 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|{{small|(1989)}}]]
|-
|13 May 1996
|13 May 2001
!'''{{ayd|1996|5|13|2001|5|13}}'''
|[[Fourth Karunanidhi ministry|Karunanidhi IV]]
|rowspan="2"|[[Chepauk Assembly constituency|Chepauk]]
|11th&lt;br /&gt;[[1996 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|{{small|(1996)}}]]
|-
|13 May 2006
|15 May 2011
!'''{{ayd|2006|5|13|2011|5|15}}'''
|[[Fifth Karunanidhi ministry|Karunanidhi V]]
|13th&lt;br /&gt;[[2006 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|{{small|(2006)}}]]
|-
|-
! Year || Election || Votes polled || Seats won
!rowspan=1|3
|- bgcolor="lightsteelblue"
|rowspan=1| [[File:The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru MK Stalin.jpg|133x133px|The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru MK Stalin]]
| 1984 || 8th Lok Sabha || 97,672 || 0
|rowspan=1|'''[[M. K. Stalin]]&lt;ref&gt;https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/mk-stalin-dmk-chief-takes-oath-as-tamil-nadu-chief-minister-243677 {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2025}}&lt;/ref&gt;&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2021-05-05 |title=M.K. Stalin appointed Tamil Nadu CM, swearing-in on May 7 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/mk-stalin-appointed-tamil-nadu-cm-swearing-in-on-may-7/article34491656.ece |access-date=2024-09-11 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}&lt;/ref&gt;'''&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;(born 1953)&lt;/small&gt;
|- bgcolor="lightsteelblue"
|7 May 2021
| 1989 || 9th Lok Sabha || 157,250 || 0
|Incumbent
|- bgcolor="lightsteelblue"
!'''{{age in years and days|2021|05|07}}'''
| 1991 || 10th Lok Sabha || 140,313 || 0
|[[M. K. Stalin ministry|Stalin]]
|- bgcolor="lightsteelblue"
|[[Kolathur Assembly constituency|Kolathur]]
| 1996 || 11th Lok Sabha || 183,702 || 0
|16th&lt;br /&gt;[[2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|{{small|(2021)}}]]
|- bgcolor="lightsteelblue"
| 1998 || 12th Lok Sabha || 168,122 || 1
|}
|}


== Party Leadership ==
===List of deputy chief ministers===
'''President'''                     
====Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
{{further|List of deputy chief ministers of Tamil Nadu}}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;"
! rowspan="2" style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white" |No.
! rowspan="2" style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white" |Portrait
! rowspan="2" style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white" |Name&lt;br /&gt;{{small|(Birth–Death)}}
! colspan="3" style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white" |Term in office
! rowspan="2" style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white" |[[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly|{{white|Assembly}}]]&lt;br /&gt;{{small|([[Elections in Tamil Nadu|{{white|Election}}]])}}
! rowspan="2" style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white" |Elected constituency
! rowspan="2" style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white" |[[Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu|{{white|Chief Minister}}]]
|-
|-
!S.No
! style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white" |Assumed office
!Portrait
! style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white" |Left office
!Name<br />{{small|(birth–death)}}
! style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white" |Time in office
!Tenure
!Duration
|-
|-
|1.|| [[File:M._Karunanidhi_.jpg|75px]] || [[M. Karunanidhi]]<br><small>(03/06/1924–07/08/2018)</small> || 27 July 1969 – 7 August 2018 || {{age in years and days|1969|7|27|2018|8|7}}
!1
|[[File:The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru MK Stalin.jpg|100px]]
|'''[[M. K. Stalin]]'''&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;(1953–)&lt;/small&gt;
|29 May 2009
|15 May 2011
|1 year, 351 days
|[[13th Tamil Nadu Assembly|13th]]&lt;br /&gt;{{small|([[2006 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2006]])}}
|[[Thousand Lights Assembly constituency|Thousand Lights]]
|[[File:M. Karunanidhi .jpg|50px]]&lt;br /&gt;[[M. Karunanidhi]]
|-
|-
|2. ||
!2
[[File:Hon_CM_Photo.jpg|75px]]  
|[[File:Udhaya.jpg|100px]]
||[[M. K. Stalin]]<br><small>(01/03/1953)</small> || 28 August 2018 – ''Incumbent'' || {{age in years and days|2018|8|28}}
|'''[[Udhayanidhi Stalin]]'''&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;(1977–)&lt;/small&gt;
|28 September 2024
|''Incumbent''
|{{age in years and days|2024|09|28}}
|[[16th Tamil Nadu Assembly|16th]]&lt;br /&gt;{{small|([[2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2021]])}}
|[[Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni Assembly constituency|Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni]]
|[[File:The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru MK Stalin.jpg|50px]]&lt;br /&gt;[[M. K. Stalin]]
|}
|}


'''General Secretary'''
===Chief Ministers of Puducherry===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
{{further|List of chief ministers of Puducherry}}
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%; text-align:center"
! rowspan="2" style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}; color:white" |No.
! rowspan="2" style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}; color:white"|Portrait
! rowspan="2" style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}; color:white"| Name
&lt;small&gt;{{nowrap|(Birth–Death)}}&lt;/small&gt;
! rowspan="2" style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}; color:white"|&lt;small&gt;Elected constituency&lt;/small&gt;
! colspan="3" style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}; color:white"|Term of office
! rowspan="2" style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}; color:white"|[[Puducherry Legislative Assembly|{{black|(Assembly)}}]]&lt;br /&gt;{{small|([[Elections in Puducherry|{{black|Election}}]])}}
! rowspan="2" style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}; color:white"|Appointed by&lt;br&gt;&lt;small&gt;[[List of lieutenant governors of Puducherry|{{black|(Lieutenant&lt;br&gt;Governor)}}]]&lt;/small&gt;
|-
|-
!S.No
! style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}; color:white" |Assumed office
!Portrait
! style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}; color:white" |Left office
!Name<br />{{small|(birth–death)}}
! style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}; color:white" |&lt;small&gt;Time in office&lt;/small&gt;
!Tenure
!Duration
|-
|-
|1.
! 1
|[[File:CN_Annadurai_1970_stamp_of_India.jpg|75px]]  
| [[File:Blank.svg|100px]]&lt;!-- Do not use placeholder images per WP:IPH --&gt;
|[[C. N. Annadurai]]<br /><small>(1909–1969)</small>
| '''[[M. O. H. Farook]]'''&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;(1937–2012)&lt;/small&gt;
|17 September 1949-1957 & 1963 – 3 February 1969
| [[Kalapet Assembly constituency|Kalapet]]
|{{age in years and days|1949|9|17|1969|2|3}}
| 17 March 1969
| 2 January 1974
! 4 years, 291 days
| 3rd&lt;br /&gt;{{small|([[1969 Pondicherry Legislative Assembly election|1969 &lt;br&gt;election]])}}
| [[B. D. Jatti]]
|-
|-
|2.
! 2
|
| rowspan="2"|[[File:Blank.svg|100px]]&lt;!-- Do not use placeholder images per WP:IPH --&gt;
|[[V. R. Nedunchezhiyan]]<br /><small>(1920–2000)</small>
| rowspan="2"|'''[[M. D. R. Ramachandran]]'''&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;(Unknown)&lt;/small&gt;
|1957-1962 & 4 February 1969 – 16 May 1977
| rowspan="2"|[[Mannadipet Assembly constituency|Mannadipet]]
|{{age in years and days|1969|2|4|1977|5|16}}
| 16 January 1980
| 23 June 1983
!3 years, 158 days
| 6th&lt;br /&gt;{{small|([[1980 Pondicherry Legislative Assembly election|1980 &lt;br&gt;election]])}}
| [[Bidesh Tukaram Kulkarni|B. T. Kulkarni]]
|-
! 3
| 8 March 1990
| 2 March 1991
! 359 days
| 8th&lt;br /&gt;{{small|([[1990 Pondicherry Legislative Assembly election|1990 &lt;br&gt;election]])}}
| [[Chandrawati]]
|-
|-
|3.
! 4
|[[File: Anbazhagan2006.jpg|75px]]
| [[File:R.V.Janakiraman2 (cropped).jpg|100px]]
|[[K. Anbazhagan]]<br /><small>(1922–2020)</small>
| '''[[R. V. Janakiraman]]'''&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;(1941–2019)&lt;/small&gt;
|17 May 1977 – 7 March 2020
| [[Nellithope Assembly constituency|Nellithope]]
|{{age in years and days|1977|5|17|2020|3|7}}
| 26 May 1996
| 21 March 2000
! 3 years, 300 days
| rowspan = "2" | 10th&lt;br /&gt;{{small|([[1996 Pondicherry Legislative Assembly election|1996&lt;br&gt;election]])}}
| [[Rajendra Kumari Bajpai]]
|-
|-
|4.
|
|[[Durai Murugan]]<br /><small>(1938–)</small>
|9 September 2020 – ''Incumbent''
|{{age in years and days|2020|9|9|}}
|}
|}


== List of chief ministers ==
== List of Leaders of the Opposition ==
 
=== Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly ===
=== Madras State ===
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}; color:white" |No.
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}; color:white"|Portrait
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}; color:white"|Name
&lt;small&gt;{{nowrap|(Birth–Death)}}&lt;/small&gt;
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}; color:white"|&lt;small&gt;Elected constituency&lt;/small&gt;
!colspan=3 style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}; color:white"|Term of office
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}; color:white"|{{black|[[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly|Assembly]]}}&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;{{black|([[Elections in Tamil Nadu|Election]])}}&lt;/small&gt;
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}; color:white"|Appointed by&lt;br&gt;{{black|([[List of speakers of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly|Speaker]])}}
|-
! style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}; color:white"|Assumed office
!style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}; color:white"|Left office
!style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}; color:white"|&lt;small&gt;Time in office&lt;/small&gt;
|-
!rowspan=2|1
|rowspan=2|[[File:M. Karunanidhi .jpg|100px]]
|rowspan=2|'''[[M. Karunanidhi]]'''&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;(1924–2018)&lt;/small&gt;
|rowspan=2|[[Anna Nagar Assembly constituency|Anna Nagar]]
|25 July 1977
|17 February 1980
!rowspan=2|5 years, 259 days
|6th&lt;br /&gt;{{small|([[1977 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|1977]])}}
|[[Munu Adhi]]
|-
|27 June 1980
|18 August 1983
|7th&lt;br /&gt;{{small|([[1980 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|1980]])}}
|[[K. Rajaram]]
|-
|-
!S.No
!2
!Name<br />{{small|(birth–death)}}
|[[File:Anbazhagan2006.jpg|100px]]
!Tenure
|'''[[K. Anbazhagan]]'''&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;(1922–2020)&lt;/small&gt;
!Days
|[[Harbour Assembly constituency|Harbour]]
|24 May 2001
|14 April 2006
!4 years, 325 days
|[[12th Tamil Nadu Assembly|12th]]&lt;br /&gt;{{small|([[2001 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2001]])}}
|[[K. Kalimuthu]]
|-
|-
|1 || [[C. N. Annadurai]]<br />{{small|(1909–1969)}} || 6 March 1967 – 13 January 1969 || 680 days
!3
|[[File:The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru MK Stalin.jpg|100px]]
|'''[[M. K. Stalin]]'''&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;(born 1953)&lt;/small&gt;
|[[Kolathur Assembly constituency|Kolathur]]
|4 June 2016
|3 May 2021
!4 years, 333 days
|[[15th Tamil Nadu Assembly|15th]]&lt;br /&gt;{{small|([[2016 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2016]])}}
|[[P. Dhanapal]]
|}
|}


=== Tamil Nadu ===
=== Pondicherry/Puducherry Legislative Assembly ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{|class="wikitable sortable"
! rowspan="2" style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white" |No.
! rowspan="2" style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white" |Portrait
! rowspan="2" style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white" | Name
&lt;small&gt;{{nowrap|(Birth–Death)}}&lt;/small&gt;
! rowspan="2" style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white" |&lt;small&gt;Elected constituency&lt;/small&gt;
! colspan="3" style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white|Term of office
! rowspan="2" style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|[[Puducherry Legislative Assembly|{{black|Assembly}}]]&lt;br /&gt;{{small|([[Elections in Puducherry|{{black|(election)}}]])}}
|-
!style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"| Assumed office
!style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"| Left office
!style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"| Time in office
|-
|-
!S.No
!rowspan=2| 1
!Name<br />{{small|(birth–death)}}
|rowspan=2| [[File:Blank.svg|100px]]&lt;!-- Do not use placeholder images per WP:IPH --&gt;
!Tenure
|rowspan=2| [[R.V. Janakiraman]]
!Days
|rowspan=2| [[Nellithope Assembly constituency|Nellithope]]
| 22 March 2000
| 15 May 2001
|'''{{ayd|2000|3|22|2001|5|15}}'''
| |  10th&lt;br /&gt;{{small|(1996 election)}}
|-
|-
|1 || [[C. N. Annadurai]]<br>{{small|(1909–1969)}}
| 16 May 2001
|14 January 1969 – 3 February 1969 || 20 days (in total 700)
| 11 May 2006
| '''{{ayd|2001|5|16|2006|5|11}}'''
| 11th&lt;br /&gt;{{small|(2001 election)}}
|-
|-
|2 || [[V. R. Nedunchezhiyan]] (acting chief minister)<br>{{small|(1920–2000)}}
! 2
|(4 February 1969 – 9 February 1969) || 5 days
| [[File:Blank.svg|100px]]&lt;!-- Do not use placeholder images per WP:IPH --&gt;
[[A. M. H. Nazeem]]
|  Karaikal
| 29 May 2006
| May 2011
| '''{{ayd|2006|5|29|2011|5|29}}'''
| 12th&lt;br /&gt;{{small|(2006 election)}}
|-
|-
|3 || [[M. Karunanidhi]]<br>{{small|(1924–2018)}} || '''1.''' (10 February 1969 – 4 January 1971)<br>'''2.''' (15 March 1971 – 31 January 1976)<br>'''3.''' (27 January 1989 – 30 January 1991)<br>'''4.''' (13 May 1996 – 13 May 2001)<br>'''5.''' (13 May 2006 – 15 May 2011) || 6863 days
! 3
| [[File:Blank.svg|100px]]&lt;!-- Do not use placeholder images per WP:IPH --&gt;
| [[R. Siva]]
|  [[Villianur Assembly constituency|Villianur]]
| 8 May 2021&lt;ref&gt;{{cite news |title=Four-time MLA R Siva appointed leader of DMK legislature party in Puducherry|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2021/may/08/four-time-mla-r-siva-appointed-leader-of-dmk-legislature-party-in-puducherry-2300076.html |newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]] |date= 8 May 2021 |access-date=11 August 2022}}&lt;/ref&gt;
| ''Incumbent''
| '''{{ayd|2021|5|8}}'''
| [[15th Puducherry Assembly|15th]]&lt;br /&gt;{{small|([[2021 Puducherry Legislative Assembly election|2021 election]])}}
|-
|-
|4 || [[M. K. Stalin]]<br>{{small|(1953–)}} || 7 May 2021– ''[[Incumbent]]'' || 2021–present
|}
|}


=== Puducherry ===
=== Madras State Legislative Assembly ===
{|class="sortable wikitable"
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Leader of the Opposition
! style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Term Start
! style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Term End
! style="background-color:#FF0D0D;color:white"|Duration
|-
|-
!S.No
| '''[[V. R. Nedunchezhiyan]]''' || 29 March 1962 || 28 February 1967 || '''{{ayd|1962|3|28|1967|2|28}}'''
!style="text-align:center;"|Name
! style="text-align:center;" |Tenure
|- style="text-align:left; background:#fff;"
|1
|[[M. O. H. Farook]]<br />{{small|(1937–2012)}}
|(17 March 1969 – 3 January 1974)
|- style="text-align:left; background:#fff;"
|2
|[[M. D. R. Ramachandran]]
|(16 January 1980 – 24 June 1983)<br />(8 March 1990 – 3 March 1991)
|- style="text-align:left; background:#fff;"
|3
|[[R. V. Janakiraman]]<br />{{small|(1941–2019)}}  
|(26 May 1996 – 21 March 2000)
|}
|}


== Current office bearers and prominent members ==
== List of Speakers &amp; Deputy Speakers of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly ==
{|class="sortable wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}; color:white"|No.
! style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}; color:white"|Name
! style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}; color:white"|Deputy&lt;br&gt;Speaker
! style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}; color:white"|Took&lt;br&gt; office
! style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}; color:white"|Left&lt;br&gt; office
! style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}; color:white"|Duration
|-
! rowspan =2| 1
| rowspan =2| [[Pulavar K. Govindan]]
| [[G. R. Edmund]]
| 22 February&lt;br&gt;1969
| 14 March&lt;br&gt; 1971
! '''{{ayd|1969|2|22|1971|3|14}}'''
|-
| [[N. Ganapathy (Thanjavur)|N. Ganapathy]]
| 3 August&lt;br&gt; 1973
| 3 July&lt;br&gt; 1977
! '''{{ayd|1973|8|3|1977|7|3}}'''
|-
! 2
| [[K. A. Mathiazagan]]
| [[P. Seenivasan]]
| 24 March&lt;br&gt; 1971
| 2 December&lt;br&gt; 1972
!'''{{ayd|1971|3|24|1972|12|2}}'''
|-
! ''Acting''
| colspan="2"|[[P. Seenivasan]]&lt;br&gt; ''(Acting Speaker)''
| 2 December&lt;br&gt; 1972
| 3 August&lt;br&gt; 1973
! '''{{ayd|1972|2|12|1973|8|3}}'''
|-
! 3
| [[M. Tamilkudimagan]]
| [[V. P. Duraisamy]]
| 8 February&lt;br&gt; 1989
| 30 June&lt;br&gt; 1991
!'''{{ayd|1989|2|8|1991|7|30}}'''
|-
|-
!style="text-align:center;"|Member
! 4
! style="text-align:center;" |Position in government
| [[P. T. R. Palanivel Rajan]]
! style="text-align:center;" |Party position
| [[Parithi Ilamvazhuthi]]
|- style="text-align:left; background:#fff;"
| 23 May&lt;br&gt; 1996
|[[M. K. Stalin]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/disp_ind.asp?prof_id=49|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090223120738/http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/disp_ind.asp?prof_id=49|url-status=dead|archive-date=2009-02-23|title=M. K. Stalin profile|work=assembly.tn.gov}}</ref>
| 21 May&lt;br&gt; 2001
|Chief Minister of [[Tamil Nadu]],  MLA from [[Kolathur (state assembly constituency)|Kolathur]]
!'''{{ayd|1996|5|23|2001|5|21}}'''
|President
|- style="text-align:left; background:#fff;"
|[[Duraimurugan]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://assembly.tn.gov.in/disp_ind.asp?prof_id=78|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090222093834/http://assembly.tn.gov.in/disp_ind.asp?prof_id=78|url-status=dead|archive-date=2009-02-22|title=Profile of Durai Murugan|work=assembly.tn.gov}}</ref>
|Minister for Water Resources, MLA from [[Katpadi (state assembly constituency)|Katpadi]] and <br />Leader of House Tamil Nadu legislative Assembly
 
|General Secretary
|- style="text-align:left; background:#fff;"
|[[T. R. Baalu]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.india.gov.in/govt/loksabhampbiodata.php?mpcode=26|title=T. R. Balu|work=Government of India}}</ref>
|Member of parliament (Lok Sabha) and Former Union Minister for ship and roadways
|Treasurer and<br />Party Lok Sabha Leader
|- style="text-align:left; background:#fff;"
|[[K. N. Nehru]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/disp_ind.asp?prof_id=214|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090425145856/http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/disp_ind.asp?prof_id=214|url-status=dead|archive-date=2009-04-25|work=assembly.tn.gov|title=Profile of K. N. Nehru}}</ref>
|Minister for Municipal Administration, MLA from [[Tiruchirappalli West (state assembly constituency)|Tiruchirappalli West]]
|Principal Secretary
|- style="text-align:left; background:#fff;"
|[[R. S. Bharathi]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://rajyasabha.nic.in/rsnew/member_site/Main.aspx|title=R. S. Bharathi profile|work=Rajya Sabha}}</ref>
|Member of parliament (Rajya Sabha), Former Chairman of Alandur Municipality
|Organization Secretary
|- style="text-align:left; background:#fff;"
|[[I. Periyasamy]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://assembly.tn.gov.in/disp_ind.asp?prof_id=196|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221114246/http://assembly.tn.gov.in/disp_ind.asp?prof_id=196|url-status=dead|archive-date=2009-02-21|title=I. Periyasamy profile|work=assembly.tn.gov}}</ref>
|Minister for Co-operation, MLA from [[Athoor (state assembly constituency)|Aathoor]]
|Deputy General Secretary
|- style="text-align:left; background:#fff;"
|[[Subbulakshmi Jagadeesan]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://164.100.47.194/Loksabha/Members/memberbioprofile.aspx?mpsno=4147&lastls=14|title=Subbulakshmi profile|work=Lok Sabha}}</ref>
|Former Minister of State in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
|Deputy General Secretary
|- style="text-align:left; background:#fff;"
|[[P. Selvarasu|Anthiyur P. Selvaraj]]
|Member of parliament, Former State Minister for Handloom
|Deputy General Secretary
|- style="text-align:left; background:#fff;"
|[[K. Ponmudy]]
|Minister for Higher Education, MLA from [[Tirukkoyilur (state assembly constituency)|Tirukkovilur]]
|Deputy General Secretary
|- style="text-align:left; background:#fff;"
|[[A. Raja]]
|Member of parliament (Lok Sabha) and Former Union Minister
|Deputy General Secretary
|- style="text-align:left; background:#fff;"
|[[T. K. S. Elangovan]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.india.gov.in/govt/loksabhampbiodata.php?mpcode=4533|title=TKS Elangovan profile|work=Government of India}}</ref>
|Member of parliament (Rajya Sabha)
|Official Spokesperson
|- style="text-align:left; background:#fff;"
|[[Kanimozhi|Kanimozhi Karunanidhi]] 
|
* [[Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha]] from [[Thoothukkudi (Lok Sabha constituency)|Thoothukkudi]]
* Former [[Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha]]
| Women's wing Secretary and
Party Lok Sabha Deputy Leader
|-
|-
|[[Dr. T R B Rajaa]]
! 5
|Member of Legislative Assembly from [[Mannargudi (state assembly constituency)|Mannargudi]]
| [[R. Avudaiappan]]
|IT wing Seceratary
| [[V. P. Duraisamy]]
|- style="text-align:left; background:#fff;"
| 19 May&lt;br&gt; 2006
|[[Udhayanidhi Stalin]]
| 15 May&lt;br&gt; 2011
|Member of Legislative Assembly from [[Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni]]
!'''{{ayd|2006|5|19|2011|5|15}}'''
| Youth wing Secretary
|-
|-
|[[C. V. M. P. Ezhilarasan|CVMP Ezhilarasan]]
! 6
|Member of Legislative Assembly from [[Kancheepuram (state assembly constituency)|Kancheepuram]]
|[[M. Appavu]]
|Students' Wing Secretary
|[[K. Pitchandi]]
|- style="text-align:left; background:#fff;"
|12 May&lt;br&gt; 2021
| |[[Karthikeya Sivasenapathy]]
|''Incumbent''
|
!'''{{ayd|2021|5|12}}'''
| Environment wing Secretary
|-
|-
|M M Abdulla
|Member of parliament (Rajya Sabha)
|NRI Wing Secretary
|}
|}


== List of union ministers ==
==List of union cabinet ministers==
===V. P. Singh ministry (1989–90)===
{{further|V. P. Singh ministry}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
!rowspan="2" style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}; color:white" | #
!rowspan="2" colspan="2" style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}; color:white" | Portrait
!rowspan="2" style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}; color:white; width:18em" | Minister&lt;br&gt;{{small|(Birth-Death)&lt;br&gt;Constituency}}
!colspan="3" style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}; color:white" | Term of office
!rowspan="2" style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}; color:white; width:8em" | Portfolio
!rowspan="2" style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}; color:white" | Ministry
!rowspan="2" style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}; color:white; width:9em" | Prime Minister
|-
|-
!S.No
!style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}; color:white; width:7em" | From
!Name<br />{{small|(birth–death)}}
!style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}; color:white; width:7em" | To
!Portfolio
!style="background-color:{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}; color:white; width:6em" | Period
!Tenure
!Prime Minister
|-
|-
|1.
!1
|[[T. G. Venkatraman]]<br /><small>(1931– 2013)</small>
|bgcolor="{{party color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}" |
|[[Ministry of Road Transport and Highways|Minister of Road Transport and Highways]]
|[[File:Murasoli Maran 2004 stamp of India.jpg|70px]]
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
|'''[[Murasoli Maran]]'''&lt;br&gt;{{small|(1934–2003)&lt;br&gt;MP for [[Chennai South Lok Sabha constituency|Chennai South]]}}
|1 June 1996 – 19 March 1998
|&lt;small&gt;2 December&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;1989
14 November 1997 10 December 1997
|&lt;small&gt;10 November&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;1990
|[[H. D. Deve Gowda]]
|'''343 days'''
[[I. K. Gujral]]
|'''[[Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs|Minister of Urban Development]]'''
|style="background:#4C915F" | '''[[V. P. Singh ministry|{{black|Vishwanath}}]]'''
|[[V. P. Singh]]
|}
 
===H.D Devegowda Ministry (1996{{ndash}}97)===
{{further|Deve Gowda ministry}}
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;"
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|No.
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|Portrait
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|Portfolio
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|Name&lt;br /&gt;{{small|(Birth–Death)}}
!colspan=3 style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|Term in office
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|Constituency&lt;br /&gt;{{small|(House)}}
!rowspan=2 colspan=2 style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|[[Prime Minister of India|{{white|Prime Minister}}]]
|-
|-
|2.
!style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|Assumed office
|[[Murasoli Maran]]<br /><small>(1934–2003)</small>
!style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|Left office
|[[Ministry of Commerce and Industry (India)|Minister of Commerce and Industry]]
!style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|Time in office
[[Ministry of Urban Development (India)|Minister of Urban Development]]
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
|13 October 1999 – 9 November 2003
6 December 1989 10 November 1990
1 June 1996 – 19 March 1998
|[[H. D. Dewe Gowda]] [[I. K. Gujral]]
[[Atal Bihari Vajpayee]]
[[V. P. Singh]]
|-
|-
|3.
!1
|[[T. R. Baalu]]
|[[File:Murasoli Maran 2004 stamp of India.jpg|70px]]
<br /><small>(1941–)</small>
|'''&lt;small&gt;[[Ministry of Commerce and Industry (India)|Minister of Industry]]&lt;/small&gt;'''
|[[Ministry of Road Transport and Highways|Minister of Road Transport and Highways]]
|'''[[Murasoli Maran]]'''&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;(1934–2003)&lt;/small&gt;
[[Ministry of Shipping (India)|Ministry of Shipping]]
|&lt;small&gt;1 June&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt; 1996
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
|&lt;small&gt;21 April&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;1997
[[Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas|Minister of State for Petroleum, Natural Gas and Non-Conventional Energy Sources]]
!'''{{ayd|1996|6|1|1997|4|21}}'''
[[Ministry of New and Renewable Energy|Minister of State (Independent Charge) of New and Renewable Energy]]
|[[Chennai Central Lok Sabha constituency|Chennai Central]]&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;([[Lok Sabha]])&lt;/small&gt;
|22 May 2004 – 22 May 2009
|rowspan=4|[[H. D. Deve Gowda]]
13 October 1999 21 January 2004
|rowspan=4 {{party color cell|Janata Dal (Secular)}}
10 January 1998– 18 March 1998
1996–1998
|[[Manmohan Singh]]
[[Atal Bihari Vajpayee]]
[[H.D. Deve Gowda]]
[[I.K. Gujral]]
|-
|-
|4.
!2
|[[A. Raja]]<br /><small>(1963–)</small>
|[[File:Blank.svg|70px]]&lt;!-- Do not use placeholder images per WP:IPH --&gt;
|[[Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (India)|Minister of Communications and Information Technology]]
|'''&lt;small&gt;[[Minister of Road Transport and Highways|Minister of Surface Transport]]&lt;/small&gt;'''
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
|'''[[T. G. Venkatraman]]'''&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;(1931–2013)&lt;/small&gt;
[[Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (India)|Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare]] [[Ministry of Rural Development (India)|Minister of State for Rural Development]]
|&lt;small&gt;1 June&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt; 1996
|16 May 2007 – 14 November 2010
|&lt;small&gt;21 April&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;1997
23 May 2004 – 17 May 2007
!'''{{ayd|1996|6|1|1997|4|21}}'''
30 September 2002 – 21 May 2004
|[[Tindivanam Lok Sabha constituency|Tindivanam]]&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;([[Lok Sabha]])&lt;/small&gt;
13 October 1996 – 29 September 2000
|[[H. D. Deve Gowda]]
[[I. K. Gujral]]
[[Atal Bihari Vajpayee]]
[[Manmohan Singh]]
|-
|-
|5.
!3
|[[Dayanidhi Maran]]<br /><small>(1966–)</small>
|[[File:Blank.svg|70px]]&lt;!-- Do not use placeholder images per WP:IPH --&gt;
|[[Ministry of Textiles|Minister of Textiles]]
|'''&lt;small&gt;[[Ministry of Defence (India)|Minister of Defence]]&lt;/small&gt;'''&lt;br /&gt;'''({{abbr|MoS|Minister of State}})'''
[[Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (India)|Minister of Communications and Information Technology]]
|'''[[N. V. N. Somu]]'''&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;(–)&lt;/small&gt;
|28 May 2009 – 12 July 2011
|&lt;small&gt;6 July&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt; 1996
22 May 2004 – 16 May 2007
|&lt;small&gt;21 April&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;1997
|rowspan="8"|[[Manmohan Singh]]
!'''{{ayd|1996|7|6|1997|4|21}}'''
|[[Chennai North Lok Sabha constituency|Chennai North]]&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;([[Lok Sabha]])&lt;/small&gt;
|-
|-
|6.
!4
|[[S. S. Palanimanickam]]<br /><small>(1950–)</small>
|[[File:T R Baalu at his Book Release 2024.jpg|70px]]
|Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance
|'''&lt;small&gt;[[Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas|Minister of Petroleum &amp; Natural Gas]]&lt;/small&gt;'''&lt;br /&gt;'''({{abbr|MoS|Minister of State}})'''
|2004–2013
|'''[[T. R. Baalu]]'''&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;(born 1941)&lt;/small&gt;
|&lt;small&gt;6 July&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt; 1996
|&lt;small&gt;21 April&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;1997
!'''{{ayd|1996|7|6|1997|4|21}}'''
|[[Chennai South Lok Sabha constituency|Chennai South]]&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;([[Lok Sabha]])&lt;/small&gt;
|}
 
===I.K Gujral Ministry (1997{{ndash}}98)===
{{further|Gujral ministry}}
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;"
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|No.
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|Portrait
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|Portfolio
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|Name&lt;br /&gt;{{small|(Birth–Death)}}
!colspan=3 style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|Term in office
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|Constituency&lt;br /&gt;{{small|(House)}}
!rowspan=2 colspan=2 style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|[[Prime Minister of India|{{white|Prime Minister}}]]
|-
!style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|Assumed office
!style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|Left office
!style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|Time in office
|-
|-
|7.
!1
|[[S. Regupathy]]<br /><small>(1950–)</small>
|[[File:Murasoli Maran 2004 stamp of India.jpg|70px]]
|Minister of State in the Ministry of Environment and Forests
|'''&lt;small&gt;[[Ministry of Commerce and Industry (India)|Minister of Industry]]&lt;/small&gt;'''
|2004–2013
|'''[[Murasoli Maran]]'''&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;(1934–2003)&lt;/small&gt;
|&lt;small&gt;21 April&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;1997
|&lt;small&gt;19 March&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;1998
!'''{{ayd|1997|4|21|1998|3|19}}'''
|[[Chennai Central Lok Sabha constituency|Chennai Central]]&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;([[Lok Sabha]])&lt;/small&gt;
|rowspan=6|[[I. K. Gujral]]
|rowspan=6 {{party color cell|Janata Dal (Secular)}}
|-
|-
|8.
!rowspan="2"|2
|[[K. Venkatapathy]]<br /><small>(1946–)</small>
|rowspan="2"|[[File:Blank.svg|70px]]&lt;!-- Do not use placeholder images per WP:IPH --&gt;
|Minister of State in the Ministry of Law and Justice
|'''&lt;small&gt;[[Minister of Road Transport and Highways|Minister of Surface Transport]]&lt;/small&gt;'''
|2004–2013
|rowspan="2"|'''[[T. G. Venkatraman]]'''&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;(1931–2013)&lt;/small&gt;
|&lt;small&gt;21 April&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;1997
|&lt;small&gt;19 March&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;1998
!'''{{ayd|1997|4|21|1998|3|19}}'''
|rowspan="2"|[[Tindivanam Lok Sabha constituency|Tindivanam]]&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;([[Lok Sabha]])&lt;/small&gt;
|-
|-
|9.
|'''&lt;small&gt;[[Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs|Minister of Urban Affairs &amp; Employment]]&lt;/small&gt;'''
|[[Subbulakshmi Jagadeesan]]<br /><small>(1947–)</small>
|&lt;small&gt;14 November&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;1997
|Minister of State in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
|&lt;small&gt;12 December&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;1997
|2004–2013
!'''{{ayd|1997|11|14|1997|12|12}}'''
|-
|-
|10.
!rowspan="2"|3
|[[V. Radhika Selvi]]<br /><small>(1976–)</small>
|rowspan="2"|[[File:T R Baalu at his Book Release 2024.jpg|70px]]
|Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs
|'''&lt;small&gt;[[Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas|Minister of Petroleum &amp; Natural Gas]]&lt;/small&gt;'''&lt;br /&gt;'''({{abbr|MoS|Minister of State}})'''
|2004–2013
|rowspan="2"|'''[[T. R. Baalu]]'''&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;(born 1941)&lt;/small&gt;
|&lt;small&gt;21 April&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;1997
|&lt;small&gt;19 March&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;1998
!'''{{ayd|1997|4|21|1998|3|19}}'''
|rowspan="2"|[[Chennai South Lok Sabha constituency|Chennai South]]&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;([[Lok Sabha]])&lt;/small&gt;
|-
|-
|11.
|'''&lt;small&gt;[[Ministry of New and Renewable Energy|Minister of Non-Conventional Energy Sources]]&lt;/small&gt;'''&lt;br /&gt;'''({{abbr|MoS|Minister of State}})'''
|[[M. K. Alagiri]]<br /><small>(1951–)</small>
|&lt;small&gt;11 January&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;1998
|[[Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers (India)|Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers]]
|&lt;small&gt;19 March&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;1998
|13 June 2009 – 20 March 2013
!'''{{ayd|1998|1|11|1998|3|19}}'''
|-
|-
|12.
!4
|[[Napoleon (actor)|D. Nepoleon]]<br /><small>(1963–)</small>
|[[File:Blank.svg|70px]]&lt;!-- Do not use placeholder images per WP:IPH --&gt;
|[[Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment|Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment]]
|'''&lt;small&gt;[[Ministry of Defence (India)|Minister of Defence]]&lt;/small&gt;'''&lt;br /&gt;'''({{abbr|MoS|Minister of State}})'''
|28 May 2009 – 20 March 2013
|'''[[N. V. N. Somu]]'''&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;(–)&lt;/small&gt;
|&lt;small&gt;21 April&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;1997
|&lt;small&gt;14 November&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;1997&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;''(died in office)''&lt;/small&gt;
!'''{{ayd|1997|4|21|1997|11|14}}'''
|[[Chennai North Lok Sabha constituency|Chennai North]]&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;([[Lok Sabha]])&lt;/small&gt;
|-
|-
|13.
|[[M. Kannappan]]
|[[Ministry of New and Renewable Energy|Minister of State (Independent Charge) of New and Renewable Energy]]
|13 October 1999 – 30 January 2004
|[[Atal Bihari Vajpayee]]
|}
|}


== Splits and offshoots ==
===Third Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ministry (1999{{ndash}}2004)===
There are two major parties that have been formed as a result of splits from the DMK, such as
{{further|Third Vajpayee ministry}}
* [[All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] (AIADMK), founded on 17 October 1972 by former [[chief minister of Tamil Nadu]] [[M. G. Ramachandran]].
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;"
* [[Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] (MDMK), founded on 6 May 1994 by [[Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha]] [[Vaiko]].
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|No.
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|Portrait
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|Portfolio
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|Name&lt;br /&gt;{{small|(Birth–Death)}}
!colspan=3 style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|Term in office
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|Constituency&lt;br /&gt;{{small|(House)}}
!rowspan=2 colspan=2 style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|[[Prime Minister of India|{{white|Prime Minister}}]]
|-
!style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|Assumed office
!style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|Left office
!style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|Time in office
|-
!rowspan="2"|1
|rowspan="2"|[[File:Murasoli Maran 2004 stamp of India.jpg|70px]]
|'''&lt;small&gt;[[Ministry of Commerce and Industry (India)|Minister of Commerce &amp; Industry]]&lt;/small&gt;'''
|rowspan="2"|'''[[Murasoli Maran]]'''&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;(1934–2003)&lt;/small&gt;
|&lt;small&gt;13 October&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;1999
|&lt;small&gt;9 November&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;2002
!'''3 years, 27 days'''
|rowspan="2"|[[Chennai Central Lok Sabha constituency|Chennai Central]]&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;([[Lok Sabha]])&lt;/small&gt;
|rowspan=6|[[Atal Bihari Vajpayee]]
|rowspan=6 {{party color cell|Bharatiya Janata Party}}
|-
|'''&lt;small&gt;[[Third Vajpayee ministry|Minister without portfolio]]&lt;/small&gt;'''
|&lt;small&gt;9 November&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;2002
|&lt;small&gt;23 November&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;2003
!'''{{ayd|2002|11|9|2003|11|23}}'''
|-
!2
|[[File:T R Baalu at his Book Release 2024.jpg|70px]]
|'''&lt;small&gt;[[Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change|Minister of Environment &amp; Forests]]&lt;/small&gt;'''
|'''[[T. R. Baalu]]'''&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;(born 1941)&lt;/small&gt;
|&lt;small&gt;13 October&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;1999
|&lt;small&gt;21 December&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;2003
!'''{{ayd|1999|10|13|2003|12|21}}'''
|[[Chennai South Lok Sabha constituency|Chennai South]]&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;([[Lok Sabha]])&lt;/small&gt;
|-
!rowspan="2"|3
|rowspan="2"|[[File:A still of the Union Minister for Environment &amp; Forests, Shri A. Raja during a meeting of Chief Wildlife Wardens and Field Directors of Project Tiger Reserves, in New Delhi on May 26, 2005.jpg|70px]]
|'''&lt;small&gt;[[Ministry of Rural Development (India)|Minister of Rural Development]]&lt;/small&gt;'''&lt;br /&gt;'''({{abbr|MoS|Minister of State}})'''
|rowspan="2"|'''[[A. Raja]]'''&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;(born 1963)&lt;/small&gt;
|&lt;small&gt;13 October&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;1999
|&lt;small&gt;30 September&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;2001
!'''{{ayd|1999|10|13|2001|9|30}}'''
|rowspan="2"|[[Perambalur Lok Sabha constituency|Perambalur]]&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;([[Lok Sabha]])&lt;/small&gt;
|-
|'''&lt;small&gt;[[Ministry of Health and Family Welfare|Minister of Health &amp; Family Welfare]]&lt;/small&gt;'''&lt;br /&gt;'''({{abbr|MoS|Minister of State}})'''
|&lt;small&gt;30 September&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;2000
|&lt;small&gt;21 December&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;2003
!'''{{ayd|2000|9|30|2003|12|21}}'''
|-
|}


== Media ==
===First Manmohan Singh Ministry (2004{{ndash}}2009)===
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam party runs two newspapers, one in English and one in Tamil, namely ''The Rising Sun'' (weekly journal) and ''[[Murasoli (India)|Murasoli]]'' (daily journal), respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dmk.in/|title=DMK homepage|access-date=11 November 2013|publisher=Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}</ref>
{{further|First Manmohan Singh ministry}}
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;"
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|No.
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|Portrait
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|Portfolio
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|Name&lt;br /&gt;{{small|(Birth–Death)}}
!colspan=3 style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|Term in office
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|Constituency&lt;br /&gt;{{small|(House)}}
!rowspan=2 colspan=2 style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|[[Prime Minister of India|{{white|Prime Minister}}]]
|-
!style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|Assumed office
!style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|Left office
!style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|Time in office
|-
!rowspan="2"|1
|rowspan="2"|[[File:A still of the Union Minister for Environment &amp; Forests, Shri A. Raja during a meeting of Chief Wildlife Wardens and Field Directors of Project Tiger Reserves, in New Delhi on May 26, 2005.jpg|70px]]
|'''&lt;small&gt;[[Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change|Minister of Environment and Forests]]&lt;/small&gt;'''
|rowspan="2"|'''[[A. Raja]]'''&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;(born 1963)&lt;/small&gt;
|&lt;small&gt;23 May&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;2004
|&lt;small&gt;15 May&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;2007
!'''{{ayd|2004|5|23|2007|5|15}}'''
|rowspan="2"|[[Perambalur Lok Sabha constituency|Perambalur]]&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;([[Lok Sabha]])&lt;/small&gt;
|rowspan=12|[[Manmohan Singh]]
|rowspan=12 {{party color cell|Indian National Congress}}
|-
|'''&lt;small&gt;[[Minister of Communications (India)|Minister of Communications &amp; Information Technology]]&lt;/small&gt;'''
|&lt;small&gt;15 May&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;2007
|&lt;small&gt;22 May&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;2009
!'''{{ayd|2007|5|15|2009|5|22}}'''
|-
!2
|[[File:Dayanidhi Maran.jpg|70px]]
|'''&lt;small&gt;[[Minister of Communications (India)|Minister of Communications &amp; Information Technology]]&lt;/small&gt;'''
|'''[[Dayanidhi Maran]]'''&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;(born 1966)&lt;/small&gt;
|&lt;small&gt;23 May&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;2004
|&lt;small&gt;15 May&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;2007
!'''{{ayd|2004|5|23|2007|5|15}}'''
|[[Chennai Central Lok Sabha constituency|Chennai Central]]&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;([[Lok Sabha]])&lt;/small&gt;
|-
!rowspan="2"|3
|rowspan="2"|[[File:T R Baalu at his Book Release 2024.jpg|70px]]
|'''&lt;small&gt;[[Minister of Road Transport and Highways]]&lt;/small&gt;'''
|rowspan="2"|'''[[T. R. Baalu]]'''&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;(born 1941)&lt;/small&gt;
|&lt;small&gt;23 May&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;2004
|&lt;small&gt;22 May&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;2009
!'''{{ayd|2004|5|23|2009|5|22}}'''
|rowspan="2"|[[Chennai South Lok Sabha constituency|Chennai South]]&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;([[Lok Sabha]])&lt;/small&gt;
|-
|'''&lt;small&gt;[[Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways|Minister of Shipping]]&lt;/small&gt;'''
|&lt;small&gt;25 May&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt; 2004
|&lt;small&gt;2 September&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;2004{{efn|The ministry's competences were transferred to the [[Ministry of Road Transport and Highways|Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways]] in September 2004.}}
!'''{{ayd|2004|5|25|2004|9|2}}'''
|-
!4
|[[File:Blank.svg|70px]]&lt;!-- Do not use placeholder images per WP:IPH --&gt;
|'''&lt;small&gt;[[Ministry of Law and Justice (India)|Minister of Law and Justice]]&lt;/small&gt;'''&lt;br&gt;'''({{abbr|MoS|Minister of State}})'''
|'''[[K. Venkatapathy]]'''&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;(born 1946)&lt;/small&gt;
|&lt;small&gt;23 May&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;2004
|&lt;small&gt;22 May&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;2009
!|'''{{ayd|2004|5|23|2009|5|22}}'''
|[[Cuddalore Lok Sabha constituency|Cuddalore]]&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;([[Lok Sabha]])&lt;/small&gt;
|-
!rowspan="2"|5
|rowspan="2"|[[File:S. Regupathy in 2004 (cropped).jpg|70px]]
|'''&lt;small&gt;[[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Minister of Home Affairs]]&lt;/small&gt;'''&lt;br&gt;'''({{abbr|MoS|Minister of State}})'''
|rowspan="2"|'''[[S. Regupathy]]'''&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;(born 1950)&lt;/small&gt;
|&lt;small&gt;23 May&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;2004
|&lt;small&gt;15 May&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;2007
!'''{{ayd|2004|5|23|2007|5|15}}'''
|rowspan="2"|[[Pudukkottai Lok Sabha constituency|Pudukkottai]]&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;([[Lok Sabha]])&lt;/small&gt;
|-
|'''&lt;small&gt;[[Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change|Minister of Environment and Forests]]&lt;/small&gt;'''&lt;br&gt;'''({{abbr|MoS|Minister of State}})'''
|&lt;small&gt;15 May&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;2007
|&lt;small&gt;22 May&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;2009
!'''{{ayd|2007|5|15|2009|5|22}}'''
|-
!rowspan="2"|6
|rowspan="2"|[[File:S. S. Palanimanickam (cropped).jpg|70px]]
|'''&lt;small&gt;[[Ministry of Commerce and Industry (India)|Minister of Commerce and Industry]]&lt;/small&gt;'''&lt;br&gt;'''({{abbr|MoS|Minister of State}})'''
|rowspan="2"|'''[[S. S. Palanimanickam]]'''&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;(born 1950)&lt;/small&gt;
|&lt;small&gt;23 May&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;2004
|&lt;small&gt;25 May&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt; 2004
!'''{{ayd|2004|5|23|2004|5|25}}'''
|rowspan="2"|[[Thanjavur Lok Sabha constituency|Thanjavur]]&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;([[Lok Sabha]])&lt;/small&gt;
|-
|'''&lt;small&gt;[[Minister of Finance (India)|Minister of Finance]]&lt;/small&gt;'''&lt;br&gt;&lt;small&gt;(Revenue, from 29 January 2006)&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;'''({{abbr|MoS|Minister of State}})'''
|&lt;small&gt;25 May&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt; 2004
|&lt;small&gt;22 May&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;2009
!'''{{ayd|2004|5|25|2009|5|22}}'''
|-
!7
|[[File:Subbalakshmi Jagadeesan (cropped).jpg|70px]]
|'''&lt;small&gt;[[Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment|Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment]]&lt;/small&gt;'''&lt;br&gt;'''({{abbr|MoS|Minister of State}})'''
|'''[[Subbulakshmi Jagadeesan]]'''&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;(born 1947)&lt;/small&gt;
|&lt;small&gt;23 May&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;2004
|&lt;small&gt;22 May&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;2009
!'''{{ayd|2004|5|23|2009|5|22}}'''
|[[Tiruchengode Lok Sabha constituency|Tiruchengode]]&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;([[Lok Sabha]])&lt;/small&gt;
|-
!8
|[[File:V. Radhika Selvi (cropped).jpg|70px]]
|'''&lt;small&gt;[[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Minister of Home Affairs]]&lt;/small&gt;'''&lt;br&gt;'''({{abbr|MoS|Minister of State}})'''
|'''[[V. Radhika Selvi]]'''&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;(born 1976)&lt;/small&gt;
|&lt;small&gt;18 May&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;2007
|&lt;small&gt;22 May&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;2009
!'''{{ayd|2007|5|18|2009|5|22}}'''
|[[Tiruchendur Lok Sabha constituency|Tiruchendur]]&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;([[Lok Sabha]])&lt;/small&gt;
|}


Kalaignar TV is a channel started on 15 September 2007 and managed by [[Kanimozhi Karunanidhi]] and Dayalu Ammal, the daughter and wife of Karunanidhi. The sister channels of Kalaignar are Kalaignar Isai Aruvi (24×7 Tamil music channel), Kalaignar Seithigal (24×7 Tamil news channel), Kalaignar Sirippoli (24×7 Tamil comedy channel), Kalaignar Chithiram (24×7 Tamil cartoon channel), Kalaignar Murasu(24×7 Tamil movie channel) and Kalaignar Asia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kalaignartv.co.in/|title=Kalaignar Channel|publisher=Kalaignar Channel|access-date=11 November 2013}}</ref>
===Second Manmohan Singh Ministry (2009{{ndash}}2014)===
{{further|Second Manmohan Singh ministry}}
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;"
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|No.
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|Portrait
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|Portfolio
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|Name&lt;br /&gt;{{small|(Birth–Death)}}
!colspan=3 style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|Term in office
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|Constituency&lt;br /&gt;{{small|(House)}}
!rowspan=2 colspan=2 style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|[[Prime Minister of India|{{white|Prime Minister}}]]
|-
!style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|Assumed office
!style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|Left office
!style="background-color:#ff0000;color:white"|Time in office
|-
!1
|[[File:A still of the Union Minister for Environment &amp; Forests, Shri A. Raja during a meeting of Chief Wildlife Wardens and Field Directors of Project Tiger Reserves, in New Delhi on May 26, 2005.jpg|70px]]
|&lt;small&gt;'''[[Minister of Communications (India)|Minister of Communications &amp; Information Technology]]'''&lt;/small&gt;
|'''[[A. Raja]]'''&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;(born 1963)&lt;/small&gt;
|&lt;small&gt;28 May&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;2009
|&lt;small&gt;15 November&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;2010&lt;br&gt;&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite news |date=2010-11-15 |title=Telecom Minister A Raja resigns; PM to keep charge of Telecom ministry |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/telecom-minister-a-raja-resigns-pm-to-keep-charge-of-telecom-ministry/articleshow/6926778.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-09-11 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}&lt;/ref&gt;&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |date=2010-11-15 |title=Raja resigns over 2G spectrum issue |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/industry/telecom/story/raja-resigns-over-2g-spectrum-issue-15096-2010-11-15 |access-date=2024-09-11 |website=Business Today |language=en}}&lt;/ref&gt;&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite news |date=2011-02-02 |title=CBI arrests former Telecom Minister A. Raja |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/CBI-arrests-former-Telecom-Minister-A.-Raja/article15126071.ece |access-date=2024-09-11 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}&lt;/ref&gt;
!'''{{ayd|2009|5|28|2010|11|15}}'''
|[[Nilgiris Lok Sabha constituency|Nilgiris]]&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;([[Lok Sabha]])&lt;/small&gt;
|rowspan=9|[[Manmohan Singh]]
|rowspan=9 {{party color cell|Indian National Congress}}
|-
!2
|[[File:Dayanidhi Maran.jpg|70px]]
|&lt;small&gt;'''[[Ministry of Textiles|Minister of Textiles]]'''&lt;/small&gt;
|'''[[Dayanidhi Maran]]'''&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;(born 1966)&lt;/small&gt;
|&lt;small&gt;28 May&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;2009
|&lt;small&gt;12 July&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;2011&lt;br&gt;&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |date=2011-07-07 |title=Dayanidhi Maran resigns from Cabinet |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/dayanidhi-maran-resigns-from-cabinet/article20303877.ece1 |access-date=2024-09-11 |website=BusinessLine |language=en}}&lt;/ref&gt;&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite news |date=2011-07-08 |title=Dayanidhi Maran resigns from Union Cabinet |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/dayanidhi-maran-resigns-from-union-cabinet/articleshow/9143074.cms |access-date=2024-09-11 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}&lt;/ref&gt;
!'''{{ayd|2009|5|28|2011|7|12}}'''
|[[Chennai Central Lok Sabha constituency|Chennai Central]]&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;([[Lok Sabha]])&lt;/small&gt;
|-
!3
|[[File:MKAlagiri.jpg|70px]]
|&lt;small&gt;'''[[Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers|Minister of Chemicals &amp; Fertilizers]]'''&lt;/small&gt;
|'''[[M. K. Alagiri]]'''&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;(born 1951)&lt;/small&gt;
|rowspan="4"|&lt;small&gt;28 May&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;2009
|rowspan="4"|&lt;small&gt;21 March&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;2013&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite news |date=2011-01-07 |title=Karunanidhi denies reports on Alagiri's resignation |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/Karunanidhi-denies-reports-on-Alagiris-resignation/article15510351.ece |access-date=2024-09-11 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}&lt;/ref&gt;
!rowspan="4"|'''{{ayd|2009|5|28|2013|3|21}}'''
|[[Madurai Lok Sabha constituency|Madurai]]&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;([[Lok Sabha]])&lt;/small&gt;
|-
!4
|[[File:Nepoleon Duraisamy.png|70px]]
|&lt;small&gt;'''[[Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment|Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment]]'''&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;'''({{abbr|MoS|Minister of State}})'''
|'''[[Napoleon (actor)|D. Napoleon]]'''&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;(born 1963)&lt;/small&gt;
|[[Perambalur Lok Sabha constituency|Perambalur]]&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;([[Lok Sabha]])&lt;/small&gt;
|-
!5
|[[File:S. Gandhiselvan (cropped).jpg|70px]]
|&lt;small&gt;'''[[Ministry of Health and Family Welfare|Minister of Health &amp; Family Welfare]]'''&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;'''({{abbr|MoS|Minister of State}})'''
|'''&lt;small&gt;[[S. Gandhiselvan]]&lt;/small&gt;'''&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;(born 1963)&lt;/small&gt;
|[[Namakkal Lok Sabha constituency|Namakkal]]&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;([[Lok Sabha]])&lt;/small&gt;
|-
!6
|[[File:S. S. Palanimanickam (cropped).jpg|70px]]
|&lt;small&gt;'''[[Minister of Finance (India)|Minister of Finance]]'''&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;small&gt;(Revenue)&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;'''({{abbr|MoS|Minister of State}})'''
|'''&lt;small&gt;[[S. S. Palanimanickam]]&lt;/small&gt;'''&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;(born 1950)&lt;/small&gt;
|[[Thanjavur Lok Sabha constituency|Thanjavur]]&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;([[Lok Sabha]])&lt;/small&gt;
|-
!rowspan="3"|7
|rowspan="3"|[[File:S. Jagathrakshakan (cropped).jpg|70px]]
|&lt;small&gt;'''[[Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (India)|Minister of Information &amp; Broadcasting]]'''&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;'''({{abbr|MoS|Minister of State}})'''
|rowspan="3"|'''&lt;small&gt;[[S. Jagathrakshakan]]&lt;/small&gt;'''&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;(born 1950)&lt;/small&gt;
|&lt;small&gt;28 May&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;2009
|&lt;small&gt;28 October&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;2012
!'''{{ayd|2009|5|28|2012|10|28}}'''
|rowspan="3"|[[Arakkonam Lok Sabha constituency|Arakkonam]]&lt;br /&gt;&lt;small&gt;([[Lok Sabha]])&lt;/small&gt;
|-
|&lt;small&gt;'''[[Ministry of New and Renewable Energy|Minister of New &amp; Renewable Energy]]'''&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;'''({{abbr|MoS|Minister of State}})'''
|&lt;small&gt;28 October&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;2012
|&lt;small&gt;2 November&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;2012
!'''{{ayd|2012|10|28|2012|11|2}}'''
|-
|&lt;small&gt;'''[[Ministry of Commerce &amp; Industry (India)|Minister of Commerce &amp; Industry]]'''&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br /&gt;'''({{abbr|MoS|Minister of State}})'''
|&lt;small&gt;2 November&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;2012
|&lt;small&gt;21 March&lt;/small&gt;&lt;br&gt;2013&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |title=5 DMK ministers quit, PM accepts their resignations |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/5-dmk-ministers-quit-pm-accepts-their-resignations/articleshow/19097333.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-09-11 |website=The Economic Times | date=20 March 2013 |language=en}}&lt;/ref&gt;
!'''{{ayd|2012|11|2|2013|3|21}}'''
|}


== Controversies ==
==List of Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha==
Indira Gandhi dismissed the Karunanidhi government in 1976 based on charges of possible secession and corruption. The DMK government has been indicted by the Sarkaria commission for corruption in allotting tenders for the [[Veeranam]] drainage project.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/2001/06/10/stories/0410223a.htm|work=The Hindu|title=What the Sarkaria Commission said|access-date=11 November 2013|date=10 June 2001|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101205052213/http://www.hinduonnet.com/2001/06/10/stories/0410223a.htm|archive-date=5 December 2010|url-status=usurped}}</ref>
{{further|Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha}}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! style="background-color:#FF0000; color:white;" | Portrait
! style="background-color:#FF0000; color:white;" | Name&lt;br&gt;&lt;small&gt;(Birth–Death)&lt;/small&gt;
! style="background-color:#FF0000; color:white;" | Elected constituency
! style="background-color:#FF0000; color:white;" | Lok Sabha&lt;br&gt;&lt;small&gt;(Election)&lt;/small&gt;
! style="background-color:#FF0000; color:white;" | Speaker
! style="background-color:#FF0000; color:white;" | Assumed office
! style="background-color:#FF0000; color:white;" | Left office
! style="background-color:#FF0000; color:white;" | Time in office
! style="background-color:#FF0000; color:white;" | Prime Minister
|-
| [[File:Blank.svg|100px]]&lt;!-- Do not use placeholder images per WP:IPH --&gt;
| '''[[G. Lakshmanan]]'''&lt;br&gt;&lt;small&gt;(1924–2001)&lt;/small&gt;
| [[Chennai North Lok Sabha constituency|Chennai North]]
| [[7th Lok Sabha|7th]]&lt;br&gt;&lt;small&gt;[[1980 Indian general election|(1980)]]&lt;/small&gt;
| '''[[Balram Jakhar]]'''&lt;br&gt;&lt;small&gt;[[Indian National Congress|(INC)]]&lt;/small&gt;
| 1 December 1980
| 31 December 1984
! 4 years, 30 days
| '''[[Indira Gandhi]]'''
|}


=== Alleged connections with LTTE ===
== Splits and offshoots ==
The interim report of the Justice [[Jain Commission]], which oversaw the investigation into [[Rajiv Gandhi]]'s [[Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi|assassination]], indicted Karunanidhi for abetting the [[Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam]] (LTTE).<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.india-today.com/itoday/17111997/cov.html|last=Chawla|first=Prabhu|magazine=India Today|title=Jain Commission Revelations: Damning the DMK|access-date=11 November 2013|date=17 November 1997|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924034354/http://www.india-today.com/itoday/17111997/cov.html|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> The interim report recommended that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi and the DMK party be held responsible for abetting Rajiv Gandhi's murderers. The final report contained no such allegations.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/02/14/stories/2004021405140100.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040228033749/http://www.hindu.com/2004/02/14/stories/2004021405140100.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=28 February 2004 | location=Chennai, India | title=No adverse comments on DMK leaders in Jain report | date=14 February 2004| work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=11 November 2013}}</ref>
There are two major parties that have been formed as a result of splits from the DMK, which are
* [[All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] (AIADMK), founded on 17 October 1972 by the former [[Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu]] [[M. G. Ramachandran]] (M.G.R.).
* [[Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] (MDMK), founded on 6 May 1994 by [[Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha]] [[Vaiko]].


=== Allegations of nepotism ===
=== Political lineage and offsprings of DMK ===
Karunanidhi's nephew, [[Murasoli Maran]], was a [[Union Minister]]; however, it has been pointed out that he was in politics long before Karunanidhi became the Chief Minister in 1969.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.indiainfo.com/2003/11/23/23maran1.html|title=Maran&nbsp;– the eyes and ears of DMK in Delhi|publisher=Indiainfo.com|access-date=11 November 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617023328/http://news.indiainfo.com/2003/11/23/23maran1.html|archive-date=17 June 2011}}</ref>
{{DP-genealogy}}


Many political opponents and DMK party senior leaders have been critical of the rise of M. K. Stalin in the party. He was appointed as Mayor and later as Deputy CM of TN. But some of the party men have pointed out that Stalin has come up on his own.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.india-today.com/itoday/19991101/stalin.html|title=Politics: Special Series; M K Stalin|work=India Today|date=1 November 1999|access-date=11 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924034411/http://www.india-today.com/itoday/19991101/stalin.html|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
== Media ==
{{multiple image
Karunanidhi's daughter Kanimozhi has been appointed as the Rajya Sabha MP.{{Citation needed|date=September 2021}} Karunanidhi's nephew's son Dayanidhi Maran has been appointed as the central Minister.
| align            = right
| caption_align    = center
| direction        = vertical
| width            = 220
| image1            = Kanimozhi Karunanidhi 01.jpg
| caption1          = '''Tmt. Kanimozhi Karunanidhi'''&lt;br /&gt;Deputy General Secretary of the party
}}


Karunanidhi's grandson, son of Stalin Udhayanidhi Stalin, has been appointed as the MLA of TN assembly.{{Citation needed|date=September 2021}}
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam party runs two newspapers: an English weekly named ''The Rising Sun'' and a Tamil daily named ''[[Murasoli (India)|Murasoli]]''.&lt;ref&gt;{{cite web|url=http://www.dmk.in/|title=DMK homepage|access-date=11 November 2013|publisher=Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}&lt;/ref&gt;


Karunanidhi has been accused of helping Murasoli Maran's son [[Kalanithi Maran]], who runs [[Sun Network|Sun TV Network]], India's second largest television network. According to ''Forbes'', Kalanidhi is among India's richest 20, with $2.9&nbsp;billion.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.forbes.com/lists/2010/10/billionaires-2010_The-Worlds-Billionaires_CountryOfCitizen_11.html | work=Forbes | title=The World's Billionaires Page 11 of 41 | date=10 March 2010 | access-date=11 November 2013 | archive-date=24 September 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180924231446/https://www.forbes.com/lists/2010/10/billionaires-2010_The-Worlds-Billionaires_CountryOfCitizen_11.html | url-status=dead }}</ref>
[[Kalaignar TV]] is a TV channel group started on 15 September 2007 and managed by [[Kanimozhi Karunanidhi]] and Dayalu Ammal, the daughter and wife of Karunanidhi. The group has multiple sister channels: Kalaignar Isai Aruvi (24×7 Tamil music channel), Kalaignar Seithigal (24×7 Tamil news channel), Kalaignar Sirippoli (24×7 Tamil comedy channel), Kalaignar Chithiram (24×7 Tamil cartoon channel), Kalaignar Murasu(24×7 Tamil movie channel) and Kalaignar Asia.&lt;ref&gt;{{cite web|url=http://www.kalaignartv.co.in/|title=Kalaignar Channel|publisher=Kalaignar Channel|access-date=11 November 2013}}&lt;/ref&gt;
 
It has been pointed out that Karunanidhi has hesitated to take action against his erring family members.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=DMK's sonny-come-lately|url=http://www.tehelka.com/story_main18.asp?filename=Ne051306up_close.asp|magazine=Tehelka|date=13 May 2006|access-date=11 November 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120911130612/http://www.tehelka.com/story_main18.asp?filename=Ne051306up_close.asp|archive-date=11 September 2012}}</ref>
 
Karunanidhi is also accused of allowing Azhagiri to function as an extraconstitutional authority in Madurai.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/2003/08/19/stories/2003081902600400.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031122081430/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/2003/08/19/stories/2003081902600400.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=22 November 2003 | location=Chennai, India | title=Charge sheet filed against Azhagiri in Kiruttinan case | date=19 August 2003| work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=11 November 2013}}</ref> The Dinakaran newspaper case was handed over to the CBI. But the District and Sessions court acquitted all the 17 accused in that case.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/12/10/stories/2009121059620100.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091213114829/http://www.hindu.com/2009/12/10/stories/2009121059620100.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 December 2009|title= All acquitted in Dinakaran case|date=5 December 2009|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=11 November 2013}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
* [[Politics of Tamil Nadu]]
* [[All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]]
* [[2G spectrum case]]
* [[2G spectrum case]]
* [[Granite scam in Tamil Nadu]]
* [[Granite scam in Tamil Nadu]]
Line 804: Line 1,708:
* [[Kallakudi demonstration]]
* [[Kallakudi demonstration]]
* [[Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi]]
* [[Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi]]
* [[Politics of India]]
* [[List of political parties in India]]
* [[Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance]]


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist}}
 
==Notes==
{{Notelist}}


===Publications===
===Publications===
{{Refbegin|30em}}
{{Refbegin|30em}}
* {{Cite book|first=M. L.|last=Ahuja|title=Electoral politics and general elections in India, 1952–1998|year=1998|publisher=Mittal Publication|location=New Delhi|isbn=978-81-7099-711-5|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CFCjniBF9s8C&pg=PA358|ref=Ahuja}}
* {{Cite book |last=Ahuja |first=M. L. |title=Electoral politics and general elections in India, 1952–1998 |year=1998 |publisher=Mittal Publication |location=New Delhi |isbn=978-81-7099-711-5 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CFCjniBF9s8C&amp;pg=PA358 |ref=Ahuja}}
* {{Cite book|first=Geetha Kamalakshi|last=Murali|author2=University of California, Berkeley|title=Tracing the signs: Voter mobilization and the functionality of ideas in ..|year=2007|location=MI|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Mb2PDvlu30IC&pg=PA82|ref=Murali|isbn=9780549737612}}
* {{cite book |last=Chakrabarty |first=Bidyut |title=Indian Politics and Society Since Independence |publisher=[[Routledge]] |year=2008 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QzQHZ178C24C |isbn=978-0-415-40868-4}}
* {{Cite book|first=Geetha Kamalakshi|last=Mahendra Singh|title=India votes: Lok Sabha & Vidhan Sabha elections 2001–2005|year=2006|publisher=Sarup & Sons|location=New Delhi|isbn=978-81-7625-647-6|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yInZdHn-pKoC&q=admk&pg=PA413|ref=Mahendra Singh}}
* {{cite book |last=Copley |first=Antony R. H. |url=https://archive.org/details/politicalcareero0000copl |url-access=registration |title=The political career of C. Rajagopalachari, 1937–1954: a moralist in politics |publisher=[[Macmillan Publishers|Macmillan]] |year=1978}}
* {{cite web|title=Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Quadrennial Review 1957–62|publisher=Legislative Assembly Department|location=Fort St. George, Madras|url=http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/archive/reviews/Review_2-1957-62.pdf|date=June 1962|ref=second}}
* {{cite book |last=Dirks |first=Nicholas B. |author-link=Nicholas Dirks |title=Castes of Mind: Colonialism and the Making of Modern India |publisher=[[Princeton University Press]] |year=2001 |isbn=978-0-691-08895-2}}
* {{cite web|title=Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Quadrennial Review 1962–67|publisher=Legislative Assembly Department|location=Fort St. George, Madras|url=http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/archive/reviews/review_3_62-67.pdf|date=June 1967|ref=third}}
* {{cite book |last1=Fishman |first1=Joshua |last2=Garcia |first2=Ofelia |title=Handbook of Language and Ethnic Identity:The Success-Failure Continuum in Language and Ethnic Identity Efforts (Volume 2): The Success-Failure Continuum in Language and Ethnic Identity Efforts |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OBoSDAAAQBAJ&amp;pg=PA230 |access-date=7 July 2016 |year=2010 |publisher=[[Oxford University Press, USA]] |isbn=978-0-19-539245-6 |pages=230–}}
* {{cite web|title=Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Quadrennial Review 1967–70|publisher=Legislative Assembly Department|location=Fort St. George, Madras|url=http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/archive/reviews/Review%204_67-70.pdf|date=June 1971|ref=fourth|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202225355/http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/archive/reviews/Review%204_67-70.pdf|archive-date=2 December 2013}}
* {{Cite journal |last=Hardgrave |first=Robert L. |date=1965-08-01 |title=The Riots in Tamilnad: Problems and Prospects of India's Language Crisis |url=https://online.ucpress.edu/as/article/5/8/399/23952/The-Riots-in-Tamilnad-Problems-and-Prospects-of |journal=[[Asian Survey]] |language=en |volume=5 |issue=8 |pages=399–407 |doi=10.2307/2642412 |issn=0004-4687 |jstor=2642412|url-access=subscription }}
* {{cite web|title=Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Quadrennial Review 1971–76|publisher=Legislative Assembly Department|location=Fort St. George, Madras|url=http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/archive/reviews/Review_5_1971_1976.pdf|date=June 1976|ref=fifth}}
* {{Cite journal |last=Hardgrave |first=Robert L. |date=1973-03-01 |title=Politics and the Film in Tamilnadu: The Stars and the DMK |url=https://online.ucpress.edu/as/article/13/3/288/20787/Politics-and-the-Film-in-Tamilnadu-The-Stars-and |journal=[[Asian Survey]] |language=en |volume=13 |issue=3 |pages=288–305 |doi=10.2307/2643038 |issn=0004-4687 |jstor=2643038 |hdl=2152/34387 |hdl-access=free|url-access=subscription }}
* {{cite web|title=Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Quadrennial Review 1977–80|publisher=Legislative Assembly Department|location=Fort St. George, Madras|url=http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/archive/reviews/Review_6_1977_1980.pdf|year=1980|ref=sixth}}
* {{cite journal |last=Hodges |first=Sara |title=Revolutionary family life and the Self Respect movement in Tamil south India |journal=[[Contributions to Indian Sociology]] |volume=39 |issue=2 |pages=251–277 |year=2005 |doi=10.1177/006996670503900203 |s2cid=144419547 |df=dmy-all}}
* {{cite web|title=Statistical report on Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 1984|publisher=Election Commission of India|location=New Delhi|year=1984|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/statisticalreports/SE_1984/StatisticalReportTamilNadu84.pdf|ref=eighth}}
* {{Cite book |last=Jaffrelot |first=Christophe |author-link=Christophe Jaffrelot |title=India's silent revolution: the rise of the low castes in North Indian politics |publisher=[[C. Hurst &amp; Co.]] |year=2003 |isbn=1-85065-398-4}}
* {{cite web|title=Statistical report on Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2001|publisher=Election Commission of India|location=New Delhi|year=2001|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/statisticalreports/SE_2001/Stat_Rep_TN_2001.pdf|ref=twelfth}}
* {{Cite book |last1=Krishnan |first1=Rajan Kurai |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=J0t6EAAAQBAJ |title=Rule of the Commoner: DMK and Formations of the Political in Tamil Nadu, 1949–1967 |last2=Sriramachandran |first2=Ravindran |last3=Subagunarajan |first3=V. M. S. |date=2022 |publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]] |isbn=978-1-009-19717-5 |language=en}}
* {{cite web|title=Statistical report on Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2011|publisher=Election Commission of India|location=New Delhi|year=2011|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/AE2011/stat_TN_May2011.pdf|ref=thirteenth}}
* {{cite book |last1=Mills |first1=James H. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2hIUBioZHHQC&amp;pg=PT151 |title=Confronting the body: the politics of physicality in colonial and post-colonial India |last2=Sen |first2=Satadru |publisher=Anthem Press |year=2004 |isbn=978-1-84331-033-4}}
* {{cite web|title=Statistical report on Tamil Nadu Assembly general elections 1980|publisher=Election Commission of India|location=New Delhi|year=1980|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/statisticalreports/SE_1980/StatisticalReportTamil%20Nadu%201980.pdf|ref=seventh}}
* {{Cite book |last=Murali |first=Geetha Kamalakshi |publisher=University of California, Berkeley |title=Tracing the Signs: Voter Mobilization and the Functionality of Ideas in Tamil Nadu |year=2007 |location=CA |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lrNPAQAAMAAJ |isbn=9780549737612}}
* {{cite web|title=Statistical report on Tamil Nadu Assembly general elections 1989|publisher=Election Commission of India|location=New Delhi|year=1989|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/statisticalreports/SE_1989/StatisticalReportTamilNadu89.pdf|ref=ninth}}
* {{cite book |last=Omvedt |first=Gail |author-link=Gail Omvedt |title=Dalit Visions: The Anti-caste Movement and the Construction on an Indian Identity |publisher=[[Orient Longman]] |year=2006 |isbn=978-81-250-2895-6}}
* {{cite web|title=Statistical report on Tamil Nadu Assembly general elections 1991|publisher=Election Commission of India|location=New Delhi|year=1991|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/statisticalreports/SE_1991/StatisticalReport-Tamil%20Nadu91.pdf|ref=tenth}}
* {{cite book |last=Palanithurai |first=Ganapathy |title=Polyethnicity in India and Canada: Possibilities for Exploration |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BdxwA3xDtSEC&amp;pg=PA21 |publisher=M.D. Publications Pvt. Ltd. |year=1997 |isbn=978-8-175-33039-9}}
* {{cite web|title=Statistical report on Tamil Nadu Assembly general elections 1996|publisher=Election Commission of India|location=New Delhi|year=1996|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/statisticalreports/SE_1996/StatisticalReport-TN96.pdf|ref=eleventh|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101007221700/http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/SE_1996/StatisticalReport-TN96.pdf|archive-date=7 October 2010}}
* {{cite book |last=Radhan |first=O.P. |title=Encyclopaedia of Political Parties |publisher=Anmol Publications |year=2002 |isbn=978-81-7488-865-5 |chapter=A Time-Bound Plan for Muslim India}}
* {{cite web|title=Statistical report on Tamil Nadu Assembly general elections 2006|publisher=Election Commission of India|location=New Delhi|year=2006|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/statisticalreports/SE_2006/StatReport_TN_2006.pdf|ref=stat2006}}
* {{cite book |last=Rajagopalan |first=Swarna |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=q7Yz5aGeoTsC |title=State and nation in south Asia |publisher=[[Lynne Rienner Publishers]] |year=2001 |isbn=978-1-55587-967-9}}
{{Refend}}
* {{Cite journal |last=Ram |first=N. |year=1977 |editor-last=Barnett |editor-first=Marguerite Ross |title=Pre-History and History of the DMK |journal=[[Social Scientist]] |volume=6 |issue=5 |pages=59–91 |doi=10.2307/3520089 |issn=0970-0293 |jstor=3520089}}
* {{cite book |last1=Ramaswamy |first1=Sumathi |title=Passions of the Tongue: Language Devotion in Tamil India, 1891–1970 |date=20 November 1997 |publisher=[[University of California Press]] |isbn=978-0-520-20805-6 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=La8wDwAAQBAJ |language=en |chapter=5.29 The Warrior Devotee}}
* {{Cite book |last=Rana |first=Mahendra Singh |title=India votes: Lok Sabha &amp; Vidhan Sabha elections 2001–2005 |year=2006 |publisher=Sarup &amp; Sons |location=New Delhi |isbn=978-81-7625-647-6 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yInZdHn-pKoC&amp;q=admk&amp;pg=PA413}}
* {{Cite journal |last=Rubinoff |first=Arthur G. |date=1997 |title=General Elections, 1996: Local Issues Dominate in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/4406016 |journal=[[Economic and Political Weekly]] |volume=32 |issue=43 |pages=2829–2835 |issn=0012-9976 |jstor=4406016 |url-access=registration }}
* {{Cite journal |last=Subramanian |first=Narendra |date=2002-11-01 |title=Identity Politics and Social Pluralism: Political Sociology and Political Change in Tamil Nadu |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/249027491 |journal=[[Commonwealth &amp; Comparative Politics]] |volume=40 |issue=3 |pages=125–139 |doi=10.1080/713999599 |s2cid=153856033}}
* {{cite book |last=Swaminathan |first=S. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q-uYmpYmXuMC |title=Karunanidhi: man of destiny |publisher=Affiliated East-West Press |year=1974 |isbn=9780333902127}}
* {{cite book |last=Venu |first=E.Es. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=83xIAAAAMAAJ |title=Why South opposes Hindi |publisher=Justice Publications |year=1979}}
* {{cite web |title=Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Quadrennial Review 1957–62 |publisher=Legislative Assembly Department |location=Fort St. George, Madras |url=http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/archive/reviews/Review_2-1957-62.pdf |date=June 1962 |ref=second}}
* {{cite web |title=Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Quadrennial Review 1962–67 |publisher=Legislative Assembly Department |location=Fort St. George, Madras |url=http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/archive/reviews/review_3_62-67.pdf |date=June 1967 |ref=third}}
* {{cite web |title=Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Quadrennial Review 1967–70 |publisher=Legislative Assembly Department |location=Fort St. George, Madras |url=http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/archive/reviews/Review%204_67-70.pdf |date=June 1971 |ref=fourth |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202225355/http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/archive/reviews/Review%204_67-70.pdf |archive-date=2 December 2013}}
* {{cite web |title=Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Quadrennial Review 1971–76 |publisher=Legislative Assembly Department |location=Fort St. George, Madras |url=http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/archive/reviews/Review_5_1971_1976.pdf |date=June 1976 |ref=fifth}}
* {{cite web |title=Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Quadrennial Review 1977–80 |publisher=Legislative Assembly Department |location=Fort St. George, Madras |url=http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/archive/reviews/Review_6_1977_1980.pdf |year=1980 |ref=sixth}}
* {{cite web |title=Statistical report on Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 1984 |publisher=Election Commission of India |location=New Delhi |year=1984 |url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/statisticalreports/SE_1984/StatisticalReportTamilNadu84.pdf |ref=eighth}}
* {{cite web |title=Statistical report on Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2001 |publisher=Election Commission of India |location=New Delhi |year=2001 |url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/statisticalreports/SE_2001/Stat_Rep_TN_2001.pdf |ref=twelfth}}
* {{cite web |title=Statistical report on Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2011 |publisher=Election Commission of India |location=New Delhi |year=2011 |url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/AE2011/stat_TN_May2011.pdf |ref=thirteenth}}
* {{cite web |title=Statistical report on Tamil Nadu Assembly general elections 1980 |publisher=Election Commission of India |location=New Delhi |year=1980 |url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/statisticalreports/SE_1980/StatisticalReportTamil%20Nadu%201980.pdf |ref=seventh}}
* {{cite web |title=Statistical report on Tamil Nadu Assembly general elections 1989 |publisher=Election Commission of India |location=New Delhi |year=1989 |url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/statisticalreports/SE_1989/StatisticalReportTamilNadu89.pdf |ref=ninth}}
* {{cite web |title=Statistical report on Tamil Nadu Assembly general elections 1991 |publisher=Election Commission of India |location=New Delhi |year=1991 |url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/statisticalreports/SE_1991/StatisticalReport-Tamil%20Nadu91.pdf |ref=tenth}}
* {{cite web |title=Statistical report on Tamil Nadu Assembly general elections 1996 |publisher=Election Commission of India |location=New Delhi |year=1996 |url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/statisticalreports/SE_1996/StatisticalReport-TN96.pdf |ref=eleventh |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101007221700/http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/SE_1996/StatisticalReport-TN96.pdf |archive-date=7 October 2010}}
* {{cite web |title=Statistical report on Tamil Nadu Assembly general elections 2006 |publisher=Election Commission of India |location=New Delhi |year=2006 |url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/statisticalreports/SE_2006/StatReport_TN_2006.pdf |ref=stat2006}}*{{Cite web |date=2024 |title=General Election Results 2024 |url=https://results.eci.gov.in/PcResultGenJune2024/partywiseresult-S22.htm |website=Election Results}}{{Refend}}


==External links==
==External links==
* {{Official website}}  
* {{Official website}}
* [https://www.britannica.com/topic/Dravidian-Progressive-Federation Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam] — entry at ''[[Encyclopædia Britannica]]''
* [https://www.britannica.com/topic/Dravidian-Progressive-Federation Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam] — entry at ''[[Encyclopædia Britannica]]''


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Revision as of 12:49, 16 March 2026


Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
<!-- No native name as per WP:NOINDICSCRIPTS -->
AbbreviationDMK
PresidentM. K. Stalin
General SecretaryDuraimurugan
Parliamentary ChairpersonKanimozhi Karunanidhi
Lok Sabha leaderT. R. Baalu
Rajya Sabha leaderTiruchi Siva
TreasurerT. R. Baalu
FounderC. N. Annadurai
Founded17 September 1949 (76 years ago) (1949-09-17)
Split fromDravidar Kazhagam
Preceded byJustice Party (1917–1944)<br />Dravidar Kazhagam<br />(1944–1949)
HeadquartersAnna Arivalayam,<br />367–369, Anna Salai, Teynampet,&nbsp;Chennai&nbsp;-&nbsp;600018, Tamil Nadu, India
Student wingMaanavar Ani
Youth wingIlaignar Ani
Women's wingMagalir Ani
Labour wingLabour Progressive Federation (LPF)
Ideology
Political positionCentre-left<ref>"Ideology of DMK". DMK. Retrieved 16 March 2026.</ref><ref>"In the Dravidian heartland, a statue for Marx in the heart of Chennai: Stalin keeps the red in good humour". The Statesman. Retrieved 16 March 2026.</ref>
ECI StatusState Party<ref>"List of Political Parties and Election Symbols main Notification Dated 18.01.2013" (PDF). India: Election Commission of India. 2013. Retrieved 9 May 2013.</ref>
Alliance
Former Alliances
Seats in Lok Sabha
22 / 543
Seats in Rajya Sabha
10 / 245
Seats in State Legislative AssembliesTemplate:Show
Number of states and union territories in government
1 / 31
Election symbol
<br />Rising Sun
Party flag
Website
{{URL|example.com|optional display text}}

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (ta; transl. Dravidian Progressive Federation;[2] abbr. DMK) is an Indian secular progressive political party based in the state of Tamil Nadu, where it is currently the ruling party, and the union territory of Puducherry, where it is currently the main opposition.<ref>"Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)". Business Standard India. Retrieved 10 August 2019.</ref>

The DMK was founded on 17 September 1949 by C. N. Annadurai as a breakaway faction from the Dravidar Kazhagam, headed by Periyar.<ref>"September which split Dravidians, Periyar weds Maniyammai". thenewsminute.com. 14 September 2016. Retrieved 10 August 2019.</ref><ref>"Periyar and Anna conflict over electoral politics". newsminute.com. 19 September 2018. Retrieved 10 August 2019.</ref><ref>"Karunanidhi: Administrator par excellence". downtoearth.org.in. 8 August 2018. Retrieved 10 August 2019.</ref> The DMK was headed by Annadurai as the general secretary from 1949 until his death on 4 February 1969.<ref>"3 February 1969: C. N. Annadurai, chief minister of Tamil Nadu, died". What Happened on This Day in History – Maps of India. 3 February 2014. Retrieved 10 August 2019.</ref> He also served as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu from 1967 to 1969. Under Annadurai, in 1967 the DMK became the first party other than the Indian National Congress to win state-level elections with a clear majority on its own in India. M. Karunanidhi followed Annadurai as the first president of the party from 1969 until his death on 7 August 2018.<ref name=":0">"M Karunanidhi passes away". @businessline. 7 August 2018. Retrieved 10 August 2019.</ref> He also served as the chief minister for five non-consecutive terms, in two of which he was dismissed by the Union government.<ref>"In pictures: M. Karunanidhi, the five-term Chief Minister". The Hindu. 7 August 2018. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 10 August 2019.</ref> After Karunanidhi's death, his son and former deputy, M. K. Stalin, succeeded as the party president and as a chief minister of Tamil Nadu from May 2021.<ref>"Karunanidhi appoints Stalin as Tamil Nadu deputy CM". Mint. 29 May 2009. Retrieved 10 August 2019.</ref>

The DMK became the fifth-largest party in the Lok Sabha after the 2024 Indian general election.<ref>"Lok Sabha", Wikipedia, 16 February 2025, retrieved 18 February 2025</ref> It currently holds 126 seats in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, where the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance holds 159 out of 234 seats.<ref name=":1">"Assembly election 2021: DMK almost swept entire Tamil Nadu; western region went with AIADMK". Deccan Herald. 3 May 2021. Retrieved 25 June 2024.</ref>

History

Origins and foundation

Party flags in Madurai, Tamil Nadu

DMK traces its roots to the Justice Party founded by C. Natesa Mudaliar in 1916, in the presence of P. Theagaraya Chetty, P. T. Rajan, T. M. Nair, Arcot Ramasamy Mudaliar and a few others in Victoria Public Hall Madras Presidency.<ref>"100 years of Justice Party, a movement which defined Tamil Nadu politics". 20 November 2016.</ref> The Justice Party, whose objectives included social equality and justice, came to power in the first general elections to the Madras Presidency in 1920.[3] Communal division between Brahmins and non-Brahmins began in the presidency during the late-19th and early-20th century, mainly due to caste prejudices and disproportionate Brahminical representation in government jobs. The Justice Party's foundation marked the culmination of several efforts to establish an organization to represent the non-Brahmins in Madras and is seen as the start of the Dravidian movement.[4]<ref>"A century of reform The Dravidian movement has left its progressive imprint on Tamil Nadu". Manuraj Shunmugasundaram. 22 November 2016. Retrieved 8 August 2018.</ref><ref>"The Inner Grammar Of Dissent Lives". K.S. Chalam. Outlook India. 12 December 2016. Retrieved 8 August 2018.</ref> In 1935, Periyar, a popular reformist leader at that time, joined the Justice Party.

In the 1937 elections, the Justice Party lost and the Indian National Congress under C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji) came to power in Madras Presidency. Rajaji's introduction of Hindi as a compulsory subject in schools led to the anti-Hindi agitations, led by Periyar and his associates.<ref>Veeramani, K. (19 November 2015). "Torch-bearer of reform". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 10 August 2019.</ref><ref>Vēṇu, Ē Es (1979). Why South Opposes Hindi. Justice Publications. p. 13.</ref><ref>dspace.vidyanidhi.org.in. p. 192 & 193 https://web.archive.org/web/20110721181844/http://dspace.vidyanidhi.org.in:8080/dspace/bitstream/2009/4724/6/MAU-1982-082-5.pdf. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 July 2011. Retrieved 2 September 2025. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)</ref>

In August 1944, Periyar created the 'Dravidar Kazhagam' (DK) movement out of the Justice Party and the Self-Respect Movement at the Salem Provincial Conference.[5] The DK, conceived as a movement and not a political party, insisted on an independent nation for Dravidians called Dravida Nadu consisting of areas that were covered under the Madras Presidency.[5]

Over the years, many disagreements arose between Periyar and his followers. In 1949, C. N. Annadurai and other members decided to take part in electoral politics and Periyar had strong objection on it. Annadurai and several of his followers decided to split from the DK movement and form the DMK.<ref>"Priest-less weddings in TN VIP families". Sify News. Archived from the original on 8 February 2005. Retrieved 11 November 2013.</ref>[6]

The Dravidian philosophy played a key role in the DMK at the helm of administration. It was described it as the earliest subaltern movement in the history of the Indian subcontinent politics to have political representation from former lower castes. This led to greater political participation, which improved representation of the emergent strata, enriched civic life, and subsequently strengthened pluralist democracy in the region.<ref>Subramanian, Narendra (1 November 2002). "Identity Politics and Social Pluralism: Political Sociology and Political Change in Tamil Nadu". Commonwealth & Comparative Politics. 40 (3): 125–139. doi:10.1080/713999599. ISSN 1466-2043.</ref>

C. N. Annadurai era (1949–1969)

Dr. C.N. Annadurai<br />Founder of the party

The DMK's initial participation in electoral politics, in the 1957 legislative assembly elections, was mixed. While it won 15 seats, many prominent leaders such as Annadurai and V. R. Nedunchezhiyan were defeated. It fared somewhat better in the 1962 elections, winning 50 seats and becoming the main opposition party.<ref>"1962 Madras State Election Results, Election Commission of India" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 January 2013. Retrieved 19 April 2009.</ref>

Anti-Hindi Imposition agitations

The DMK inherited the anti-Hindi imposition policies of its parent organization, DK. Founder C.N. Annadurai had earlier participated in the anti-Hindi imposition agitations during 1938–40 and throughout the 1940s.

In July 1953, the DMK launched an agitation against the Union government's proposed name-change of Kallakudi to Dalmiapuram. They claimed that the town's proposed new name, proposed to be named after Ramkrishna Dalmia, symbolized the exploitation of South India by the North.[7]<ref>Sachi Sri Kantha (16 September 2009). "Anna in the dock (1953)". Anna's Birth Centennial Anthology Part 3. Sangam.org. Retrieved 24 November 2009.</ref> On 15 July, M. Karunanidhi and other DMK members removed the Hindi name from Dalmiapuram railway station's name board and protested on the tracks. In the altercation with the police that followed the protests, two DMK members lost their lives, and several others, including Karunanidhi and Kannadasan, were arrested.[8]

The DMK continued its anti-Hindi Imposition policies throughout the 1950s, along with the secessionist demand for Dravida Nadu, which initially adopted a more radical stance than the Dravida Kazhagam.[9] On 28 January 1956, Annadurai, along with Periyar and Rajaji, signed a resolution passed by the Academy of Tamil Culture endorsing the continuation of English as the official language.<ref>Modern India rejects Hindi. Association for the Advancement of the National Languages of India. 1958. p. 29.</ref>[10] On 21 September 1957, the DMK convened an anti-Hindi conference to protest against the imposition of Hindi. It observed 13 October 1957 as "anti-Hindi day".<ref>"A script which Karuna would never imagined in TN". Business Standard. Business Standard Ltd. Press Trust of India. 16 May 2009. Archived from the original on 1 December 2009. Retrieved 24 November 2009.</ref>[11]

On 31 July 1960, another open-air anti-Hindi conference was held in Kodambakkam, Madras.[12] In November 1963, DMK dropped its secessionist demand in the wake of the Sino-Indian War and the passage of the anti-secessionist 16th Amendment to the Indian Constitution. The anti-Hindi stance remained and hardened with the passage of Official Languages Act of 1963.[13] The DMK's view on Hindi's eligibility for official language status were reflected in Annadurai's response to the "numerical superiority of Hindi" argument: "If we had to accept the principle of numerical superiority while selecting our national bird, the choice would have fallen not on the peacock but on the common crow."<ref>Venkatachalapathy, A. R. (20 December 2007). "Tongue tied". India Today.</ref>

Formation of state government

In the 1967 assembly election, DMK came to power in the Madras State, 18 years after its formation and 10 years after it had first entered electoral politics. This began the Dravidian era in the Madras province, which later became Tamil Nadu. In 1967, the Congress lost nine states to opposition parties, but it was only in Madras that a single non-Congress Party won a majority.[14] The electoral victory of 1967 is also reputed to be an electoral fusion among the non-Congress parties to avoid a split in the opposition votes. Rajagopalachari, a former senior leader of the Congress Party, had by then left the Congress and launched the right-wing Swatantra Party. He played a vital role in bringing about the electoral fusion amongst the opposition parties to align against the Congress.<ref>Viswanathan, S (10–23 April 2004). "Dravidian power". Frontline. Archived from the original on 3 March 2008. Retrieved 19 February 2008.</ref> Following the DMK's victory in the 1967 election, Annadurai formed a cabinet that was the youngest in India at the time.<ref>Venkatachalapathy, AR (10 April 2008). "C.N. Annadurai – Politician, 1909–1969". Archived from the original on 12 January 2009. Retrieved 20 December 2008.</ref>

Other achievements

Self-respect marriages were legalized in India during Annadurai's tenure. Such marriages did not involve priests presiding over the ceremonies, and thus a Brahmin was not needed to carry out the wedding.<ref>Venkatesh, MR (7 June 2004). "Solidarity show at wedding – ADMK's brickbats on cauvery mixes with Pranab's bonhomie". The Telegraph. Calcutta. Archived from the original on 16 August 2009. Retrieved 20 December 2008.</ref> Self-respect marriages were a brainchild of Periyar, who regarded the then conventional marriages as mere financial arrangements which led to great debt through dowry in many cases. Self-respect marriages, according to him, encouraged inter-caste marriages and caused arranged marriages to be replaced by love marriages.[15]

Annadurai's party was among the first in India to include a promise of subsidized rice in its election manifesto. He promised one rupee a measure of rice, which he initially implemented once in government, but had to withdraw later. Subsidizing rice costs are still used as an election promise in Tamil Nadu.<ref>"Rice promises stir Tamil Nadu". Rediff.com. 19 April 2006. Archived from the original on 7 September 2008. Retrieved 20 December 2008.</ref>

It was Annadurai's government that renamed Madras State to Tamil Nadu, its present-day name. The name change itself was first presented in the Rajya Sabha by Bhupesh Gupta, a communist MP from West Bengal, but was then defeated.[16] With Annadurai as chief minister, the state assembly succeeded in passing the bill renaming the state.[citation needed]

Annadurai's government introduced a two-language policy, favoring Tamil and English over Hindi, which marked a significant shift from the previously proposed three language formula. The three-language formula, which was implemented in the neighboring states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala, mandated students to study three languages: the regional language, English, and Hindi.[17]

M. Karunanidhi era (1969–2018)

Dr. M. Karunanidhi<br />Former President of the party

In 1969, after Annadurai's death, M. Karunanidhi was elected as his successor, defeating rival candidate V. R. Nedunchezhiyan. Karunanidhi headed the DMK until his own death in 2018.<ref name=":0" /> He was also appointed as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu on 10 February 1969, sworn in by then Governor Sardar Ujjal Singh.<ref>"Milestones in a long journey". Frontline. 17 August 2018. Retrieved 17 November 2025.</ref>

In the 1970s, M. G. Ramachandran (M.G.R.), a popular actor and the party treasurer, had a political feud with the party president Karunanidhi. In 1972, M.G.R. called for a boycott of the party's General Council. The crisis led to a call for a corruption probe by M.G.R. leading to his suspension from the General Council by the high-power committee of DMK.[citation needed] M.G.R. left the DMK and created a new political party, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).[18]

In 1976, during the emergency period,<ref>"EMERGENCY", Indira Gandhi and the Years that Transformed India, Yale University Press, pp. 192–223, 10 June 2025, doi:10.2307/jj.28697857.15, ISBN 978-0-300-28369-3, retrieved 11 September 2025{{citation}}: CS1 maint: work parameter with ISBN (link)</ref> prime minister Indira Gandhi dismissed the Karunanidhi government,<ref>"An island of democracy". Frontline. Archived from the original on 12 February 2025. Retrieved 11 September 2025.</ref> fifty days before his tenure ended, citing failure to maintain law and order, implement emergency measures, uphold national discipline, and promote economic development.<ref>"Mrs. Gandhi Dismisses Opposition Government of a State and Takes Over Rule (Published 1976)". 1 February 1976. Retrieved 11 September 2025.</ref><ref>"The political journey of M Karunanidhi: A timeline - End of an era". The Economic Times. Retrieved 11 September 2025.</ref> The Sarkaria commission later investigated the DMK government for alleged irregularities in awarding tenders related to the Veeranam drainage project.<ref>"What the Sarkaria Commission said". The Hindu. 10 June 2001. Archived from the original on 5 December 2010. Retrieved 11 November 2013.</ref> However, no corruption charges were formally proven against Karunanidhi in the court.<ref>"Karunanidhi a visionary and a reformist pushing for social justice: Biographer Vasanthi". www.daijiworld.com. Retrieved 11 September 2025.</ref><ref>"Karunanidhi: Tamil Nadu politics' ultimate comeback man". The Indian Express. 9 August 2018. Archived from the original on 7 December 2022. Retrieved 11 September 2025.</ref>

The interim report of the Jain Commission, which oversaw the investigation into Rajiv Gandhi's assassination, indicted Karunanidhi for abetting the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).<ref>Chawla, Prabhu (17 November 1997). "Jain Commission Revelations: Damning the DMK". India Today. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 11 November 2013.</ref> The interim report recommended that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi and the DMK party be held responsible for abetting Rajiv Gandhi's murderers. The final report contained no such allegations.<ref>"No adverse comments on DMK leaders in Jain report". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 14 February 2004. Archived from the original on 28 February 2004. Retrieved 11 November 2013.</ref>

Elections under Karunanidhi's presidency

  • DMK lost the 1977 Assembly elections to the AIADMK, and stayed out of power in the state until 1989.[19] After MGR's death in December 1987, AIADMK split into two factions led by MGR's wife Janaki and Jayalalithaa. The DMK returned to power in the 1989 state assembly elections and for the third time, Karunanidhi took over as the chief minister in January 1989.
  • The 1991 Lok Sabha election was held with the backdrop of DMK government having dissolved within two years of formation due to pressure from ex-Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi leading an alliance with Samajwadi Janata Party. In the same year, Rajiv Gandhi was killed by a suicide bomber during his election campaign, and due to DMK's pro-Tamil stance and the dismissal of the state government mid-campaign by Rajiv, public sentiments were against DMK and instead in favor of the AIADMK–Congress alliance, causing the DMK to not win any seats in the Parliament.
  • In the 1996 state elections, DMK came to power on strength of corruption charges against Jayalalithaa and their alliance with Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC), headed by G.K. Moopanar.
  • In 2001, the AIADMK, on strength of a strong alliance and anti-incumbency factor against DMK, came back to power in the state assembly elections.
  • In the 2004 general election, DMK formed an alliance with Congress, the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK), and the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK). The alliance won all 40 seats of the state including Puducherry. The DMK held 7 ministerial posts in the central government cabinet.
  • Two years later in 2006, the same alliance won in the state assembly elections and the DMK formed a minority government in the state with help from Congress. M Karunanidhi became the Chief Minister of the state for the fifth time. The DMK-Congress alliance was also successful in the 2009 general elections.
  • In the 2011 Assembly elections, held in the wake of the 2G case and allegations of nepotism, the DMK won only 23 seats, 127 seats less than earlier.
  • In the 2014 general election, DMK failed to win any seats.
  • In the 2016 state assembly elections, DMK won 89 seats. This was the most number for a single opposition party in the history of the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly.

Favouritism towards family members

Karunanidhi has faced accusations and criticism of favouring family members for prominent political and constitutional positions. His supporters have denied these allegations, describing the appointments as based on political trust and experience.<ref>Isaac, Anna (8 August 2018). "Nepotism or survival? Why Karunanidhi chose family when it came to New Delhi". The News Minute. Retrieved 18 November 2025.</ref> Karunanidhi's nephew, Murasoli Maran, was a Union Minister under multiple governments.<ref>"Maran&nbsp;– the eyes and ears of DMK in Delhi". Indiainfo.com. Archived from the original on 17 June 2011. Retrieved 11 November 2013.</ref> M. K. Stalin was elected as the Mayor of Chennai and later as the deputy chief minister of Tamil Nadu.<ref>"Politics: Special Series; M K Stalin". India Today. 1 November 1999. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 11 November 2013.</ref> Karunanidhi's daughter Kanimozhi has been appointed as the Rajya Sabha MP twice in 2007 and 2013.<ref>"Kanimozhi, D Raja take oath as Rajya Sabha members". timesofindia. 26 July 2007.</ref><ref>"Kanimozhi wins Rajya Sabha polls, so does Raja". indiatoday. 27 June 2013. Retrieved 27 June 2013.</ref> Karunanidhi's nephew's son Dayanidhi Maran had been appointed as a Union Minister in 2004.<ref>"Dayanidhi Maran hands over resignation to DMK chief". India Today. 19 October 2008. Retrieved 26 October 2024.</ref> Karunanidhi's grandson, M. K. Stalin's son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, has been elected as an MLA in the state assembly.<ref>"Tamil Nadu: Udhayanidhi Stalin wins big, cements claim to political legacy". timesofindia. 3 May 2021.</ref> Karunanidhi is also accused of allowing Azhagiri to function as an extraconstitutional authority in Madurai.<ref>"Charge sheet filed against Azhagiri in Kiruttinan case". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 19 August 2003. Archived from the original on 22 November 2003. Retrieved 11 November 2013.</ref>

M. K. Stalin era (2018–present)

Karunanidhi died on 7 August 2018, leaving the party in the hands of his son, M. K. Stalin. Stalin had been appointed as the working president in January 2017 when his father's health started declining and had previously been named heir apparent by his father. Stalin thus became the second DMK president since the party's inception.<ref>"MK Stalin takes charge of DMK after 51 years in politics: Fighting a dynastic battle, the 65-year-old learnt it the hard way". Firstpost. 28 August 2018. Retrieved 29 December 2019.</ref>

M. K. Stalin<br />Chief minister of Tamil Nadu & President of the party

On 25 March 2018, the DMK held a statewide conference in Erode and M. K. Stalin released five slogans at the conference. They were:<ref>"ஐம்பெரும் முழக்கங்கள்: ஈரோடு மண்டல மாநாட்டில் ஸ்டாலின் உரை". Samayam Tamil (in தமிழ்). 25 March 2018. Retrieved 11 August 2019.</ref><ref>மின்னம்பலம் (17 February 2019). "ஸ்டாலின் முன்வைத்த ஐம்பெரும் முழக்கங்கள்!". மின்னம்பலம் (in தமிழ்). Retrieved 11 August 2019.</ref><ref>Lakshmi, Priya (25 March 2018). "மதவெறியை மாய்ப்போம்– அதிகார குவியலை அடித்து நொறுக்குவோம்: திமுகவின் 5 முழக்கங்களை அறிவித்த ஸ்டாலின்". oneindia.com (in தமிழ்). Retrieved 11 August 2019.</ref>

  1. Let us keep an eye on the Kalaignar's command
  2. Let us grow and admire Tamil
  3. Let us crush the power pile
  4. Let us protect humanity from extremism
  5. Let us grow a prosperous Tamil Nadu

During 2025 end the DMK constituted a committee headed by Kanimozhi, to prepare the manifesto for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election.<ref>Bureau, The Hindu (17 December 2025). "Kanimozhi to head DMK's 2026 Assembly election manifesto committee". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 5 January 2026. {{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help)</ref> MK Stalin launched the party's election manifesto portal on 3 January 2026 at the party headquarters.<ref name=":2">"Tamil Nadu elections: Stalin launches DMK manifesto portal 2026; alliance with Congress under spotlight". The Times of India. 3 January 2026. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 5 January 2026.</ref> Over 14,000 suggestions received was received from citizens across the state on the day day one.<ref>Bureau, The Hindu (4 January 2026). "DMK receives 14,318 suggestions for manifesto on day one". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 5 January 2026. {{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help)</ref><ref name=":2" />

Elections under M.K. Stalin presidency

Party ideology

Template:Social democracy sidebar Template:Socialism sidebar Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam follows the principle of Duty, Dignity, and Discipline, as instructed by C. N. Annadurai. This involves protecting democratic rights in politics, establishing a non-dominant society, and carrying out reform work based on rationality to promote the revival of Dravidian ideology. The party aims to overcome poverty in the economic sphere and provide means for the well-being of all on an equitable basis. The party also aims to develop and promote the respective state languages without allowing other languages to dominate. The party believes in promoting the decentralization of powers from the Union government and creating autonomy in the states and federalism at the center.<ref>"Party ideology". DMK.</ref>

Dravidian nationalism

The anti-Hindi Imposition agitations of 1965 forced the central government to abandon its efforts to use Hindi as the only official language of the country.

State autonomy

After The Emergency invoked by Indira Gandhi, more state powers like education and medical care were moved from state control to national control. At the state conference in Trichy after the death of Annadurai, Karunanidhi announced the adoption of the "state autonomy" principle to advocate for state self-governance. In April 1974, the DMK government brought in a resolution in the House urging the centre to accept the Rajamannar Committee recommendations on state autonomy and amend the Constitution of India to pave the way for a truly federal system.[1]

Social justice

The DMK has been involved in the protest for OBC reservation, ensuring the provision legalizing OBC reservation.<ref>"THE CONSTITUTION (FIRST AMENDMENT) ACT, 1951&#124; National Portal of India". www.india.gov.in.</ref><ref>"protest of Periyar and Anna".</ref> The party holds OBC welfare as a tenet of its core ideology<ref>"Stalin welcomes Supreme court order favouring OBC reservation in medical courses". The Economic Times. 8 January 2022.</ref> and has implemented reservation related policies in favour of OBCs <ref>"source article". 29 March 2021.</ref> and SCs.<ref>"Temple to honour DMK leader Karunanidhi to be built in Tamil Nadu". The Indian Express. 25 August 2019.</ref>

The DMK reconstituted the disabled persons welfare board to Differently Abled Persons Departments and changed official terms for transgender individuals to more respectful terms like "Thirunangai" and "Thirunambi".<ref name="Nadika">N, Nadika (7 August 2018). "Self-respect weddings to transgender rights: Karunanidhi, a leader of minorities". newsminute.com. Retrieved 24 March 2020.</ref>

Party symbol

The party's election symbol is the "sun rising from between two mountains", with a black and red flag pictured. The symbol was inspired by the Karunanidhi's 1950s play Udaya Suryan and is intended to signify the "rising" spirit of the Dravidian people.<ref>"The story of Udaya Suriyan: How the rising sun became the symbol of DMK". 14 May 2016.</ref>

In the 1957 poll, the DMK was not recognized by the Election Commission. The party was grouped as independents and was not united by its rising sun symbol and was forced to contest under the rooster symbol.<ref>Isaac, Anna (n.d.). "The story of Udaya Suriyan: How the rising sun became the symbol of DMK". thenewsminute.com. Retrieved 24 March 2020.</ref>

Electoral history

Lok Sabha Elections

Year Party leader Seats won Change in seats Percentage of votes Popular vote Outcome
1962 C. N. Annadurai Template:Composition bar compact Increase 5 18.64% 2,315,610 Opposition
1967 Template:Composition bar compact Increase 18 51.79% 7,996,264
1971 M. Karunanidhi Template:Composition bar compact Decrease 2 55.61% 8,869,095 Government
1977 Template:Composition bar compact Decrease 22 37.84% 6,758,517 Opposition
1980 Template:Composition bar compact Increase 15 55.89% 10,290,515 Government
1984 Template:Composition bar compact Decrease 14 37.04% 8,006,513 Opposition
1989 Template:Composition bar compact Decrease 2 33.78% 8,918,905 Lost
1991 Template:Composition bar compact Steady 27.64% 6,823,581
1996 Template:Composition bar compact Increase 17 54.96% 14,940,474 Government
1998 Template:Composition bar compact Decrease 11 42.72% 10,937,809 Opposition
1999 Template:Composition bar compact Increase 6 46.41% 12,638,602 Government
2004 Template:Composition bar compact Increase 4 57.40% 16,483,390
2009 Template:Composition bar compact Increase 2 42.54% 12,929,043
2014 Template:Composition bar compact Decrease 18 23.16% 10,243,767 Lost
2019 M. K. Stalin Template:Composition bar compact Increase 24 32.76% 14,363,332 Opposition
2024 Template:Composition bar compact Decrease 2 26.93% 11,689,879 Opposition

Template:Vertical bar chart

Legislative Assembly elections

Year Party leader Seats won Change in seats Percentage of votes Popular vote Outcome
Puducherry
1974 M. Karunanidhi Template:Composition bar compact Increase 2 47,823 Opposition
1977 Template:Composition bar compact Increase 1 30,441
1980 Template:Composition bar compact Increase 11 68,030 Government
1985 Template:Composition bar compact Decrease 9 87,754 Others
1990 Template:Composition bar compact Increase 4 101,127 Government
1991 Template:Composition bar compact Decrease 5 96,607 Opposition
1996 Template:Composition bar compact Increase 3 105,392 Government
2001 Template:Composition bar compact Steady 83,679 Opposition
2006 Template:Composition bar compact Steady Government
2011 Template:Composition bar compact Decrease 4 10.68% 74,552 Opposition
2016 Template:Composition bar compact Decrease 1 8.9% 70,836 Government
2021 M. K. Stalin Template:Composition bar compact Increase 4 18.51% 154,858 Opposition
Tamil Nadu
1962 C. N. Annadurai Template:Composition bar compact Increase 37 27.10% 3,435,633 Opposition
1967 Template:Composition bar compact Increase 87 40.69% 6,230,556 Government
1971 M. Karunanidhi Template:Composition bar compact Increase 47 48.58% 7,654,935
1977 Template:Composition bar compact Decrease 136 24.89% 4,258,771 Opposition
1980 Template:Composition bar compact Decrease 11 22.1% 4,164,389
1984 Template:Composition bar compact Decrease 13 29.3% 6,362,770 Others
1989 Template:Composition bar compact Increase 116 37.89% 9,135,220 Government
1991 Template:Composition bar compact Decrease 148 22.5% 5,535,668 Others
1996 Template:Composition bar compact Increase 171 53.77% 14,600,748 Government
2001 Template:Composition bar compact Decrease 142 30.90% 8,669,864 Opposition
2006 Template:Composition bar compact Increase 65 26.50% 8,728,716 Minority<br />Government
2011 Template:Composition bar compact Decrease 73 22.40% 8,249,991 Others
2016 Template:Composition bar compact Increase 66 31.39% 13,670,511 Opposition
2021 M. K. Stalin Template:Composition bar compact Increase 44 37.7% 17,430,179 Government

Template:Vertical bar chartTemplate:Vertical bar chart

Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly Elections
Year Assembly Party leader Seats contested Seats won Change in seats Percentage of votes Vote swing Popular vote Outcome
1972 5th [[M.&nbsp;Karunanidhi]] 3 Template:Composition bar compact Steady 0.26% Steady 36,466 Lost
1978 6th 2 Template:Composition bar compact Steady 0.03% Decrease 0.23% 6,547
Karnataka Legislative Assembly Elections
Year Assembly Party leader Seats contested Seats won Change in seats Percentage of votes Vote swing Popular vote Outcome
1978 6th [[M.&nbsp;Karunanidhi]] 3 Template:Composition bar compact Steady 0.13% Steady 16,437 Lost
Kerala Legislative Assembly Elections
Year Assembly Party leader Seats contested Seats won Change in seats Percentage of votes Vote swing Popular vote Outcome
1970 4th [[M.&nbsp;Karunanidhi]] 1 Template:Composition bar compact Steady 0.02% Steady 1,682 Lost

Current office bearers and prominent members

Member Position in Government Party Position
M. K. Stalin President
Duraimurugan General Secretary
T. R. Baalu Treasurer and Lok Sabha Leader
K. N. Nehru Party Principal Secretary
I. Periyasamy
  • Minister for Rural Administration
  • MLA from Aathoor
Deputy General Secretary
Tiruchi Siva<ref>"DMK MP Tiruchi Siva appointed new party deputy general secretary". DT Next. 11 April 2025.</ref><ref>"Stalin sacks Ponmudy from party post over his 'vulgar' remarks". DT Next. 11 April 2025.</ref> Deputy General Secretary
A. Raja
  • Member of Parliament (LS) from Nilgiris
  • Former Union Minister for Information Technology
Deputy General Secretary
Anthiyur P. Selvaraj
  • Member of Rajya Sabha,
  • Former State Minister for Handlooms and Textile
Deputy General Secretary
Kanimozhi Karunanidhi
  • Deputy General Secretary and
  • Parliamentary Chairperson
R. S. Bharathi<ref>"R. S. Bharathi profile". Rajya Sabha.</ref>
  • Former Member of Parliament (RS)
  • Former Chairman of Alandur Municipality
Organization Secretary
T. K. S. Elangovan<ref>"TKS Elangovan profile". Government of India.[permanent dead link]</ref>
  • Former Member of Parliament (RS)
Official Spokesperson
Udhayanidhi Stalin
  • Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
  • Minister for Planning and Development
  • Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development of Tamil Nadu
  • Member of Legislative Assembly from Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni
Youth Wing Secretary
Dr. T R B Rajaa
  • Minister for Industries,Investments and Commerce
  • Member of Legislative Assembly from Mannargudi
Information Technology Wing Secretary
Helena Davidson Women's Wing Secretary
CVMP Ezhilarasan Students' Wing Secretary
Dayanidhi Maran
  • Member of Parliament (LS) from Central Chennai
  • Former Union Minister for Information Technology
Sports Wing Secretary
Palanivel Thiagarajan
  • Minister for Information Technology and Digital Services
  • Member of Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly from Madurai Central
Assets Committee Secretary
Dr Ezhilan Naganathan Medical Wing Secretary
M M Abdulla
  • Member of Parliament (RS)
NRI Wing Secretary

List of party leaders

Presidents

No. Portrait Name<br/>(Birth–Death) Term in office
Assumed office Left office Time in office
1 M. Karunanidhi<br/><small>(1924–2018)</small> 27 July 1969 7 August 2018 49 years, 11 days
2 The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru MK Stalin M. K. Stalin<br/><small>(born in 1953)</small> 28 August 2018 incumbent 7 years, 346 days

Working President

No. Portrait Name<br/>(Birth–Death) Term in office
1 The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru MK Stalin M. K. Stalin<br/><small>(born in 1953)</small> 4 January 2017 27 August 2018 1 year, 235 days

General Secretaries

No. Portrait Name<br/>(Birth–Death) Term in office
Assumed office Left office Time in office
1 C. N. Annadurai<br/><small>(1909–1969)</small> 17 September 1949 24 April 1955 13 years, 350 days
25 September 1960 3 February 1969
2 <!-- Do not use placeholder images per WP:IPH --> V. R. Nedunchezhiyan<br/><small>(1920–2000)</small> 24 April 1955 24 September 1960 13 years, 254 days
4 February 1969 16 May 1977
3 K. Anbazhagan<br/><small>(1922–2020)</small> 17 May 1977 7 March 2020 42 years, 295 days
4 <!-- Do not use placeholder images per WP:IPH --> Duraimurugan<br/><small>(born in 1938)</small> 9 September 2020 Incumbent 5 years, 334 days

List of chief ministers

Chief Minister of Madras State

No. Portrait Name<br/>(Birth–Death) Term in office Assembly<br/>(Election) Elected constituency Ministry
Assumed office Left office Time in office
1 C. N. Annadurai<br/><small>(1909–1969)</small> 6 March 1967 13 January 1969 1 year, 313 days 4th<br/>(1967) Member of the Legislative Council Annadurai

Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu

No. Portrait Name<br />(Birth–Death) Term in office Ministry Constituency Assembly<br />Election
Start End Duration<br />in days
1 C. N. Annadurai<br /><small>(1909–1969)</small> 14 January 1969 3 February 1969 20 days Annadurai Tamil Nadu Legislative Council 4th<br /><small>(1967)</small>
Acting <!-- Do not use placeholder images per WP:IPH --> V. R. Nedunchezhiyan<br /><small>(1910–1988)</small> 3 February 1969 10 February 1969 7 days Nedunchezhiyan I Triplicane 4th<br /><small>(1967)</small>
2 M. Karunanidhi<br /><small>(1924–2018)</small> 10 February 1969 14 March 1971 2 years, 32 days Karunanidhi I Saidapet 4th<br /><small>(1967)</small>
15 March 1971 31 January 1976 4 years, 322 days Karunanidhi II 5th<br />(1971)
27 January 1989 30 January 1991 2 years, 3 days Karunanidhi III Harbour 11th<br />(1989)
13 May 1996 13 May 2001 5 years, 0 days Karunanidhi IV Chepauk 11th<br />(1996)
13 May 2006 15 May 2011 5 years, 2 days Karunanidhi V 13th<br />(2006)
3 The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru MK Stalin M. K. Stalin<ref>https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/mk-stalin-dmk-chief-takes-oath-as-tamil-nadu-chief-minister-243677 [bare URL]</ref><ref>"M.K. Stalin appointed Tamil Nadu CM, swearing-in on May 7". The Hindu. 5 May 2021. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 11 September 2024.</ref><br /><small>(born 1953)</small> 7 May 2021 Incumbent 5 years, 94 days Stalin Kolathur 16th<br />(2021)

List of deputy chief ministers

Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu

No. Portrait Name<br />(Birth–Death) Term in office Assembly<br />(Election) Elected constituency Chief Minister
Assumed office Left office Time in office
1 M. K. Stalin<br /><small>(1953–)</small> 29 May 2009 15 May 2011 1 year, 351 days 13th<br />(2006) Thousand Lights <br />M. Karunanidhi
2 Udhayanidhi Stalin<br /><small>(1977–)</small> 28 September 2024 Incumbent 1 year, 315 days 16th<br />(2021) Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni <br />M. K. Stalin

Chief Ministers of Puducherry

No. Portrait Name

<small>(Birth–Death)</small>

<small>Elected constituency</small> Term of office [[Puducherry Legislative Assembly|Template:Black]]<br />([[Elections in Puducherry|Template:Black]]) Appointed by<br><small>[[List of lieutenant governors of Puducherry|Template:Black]]</small>
Assumed office Left office <small>Time in office</small>
1 <!-- Do not use placeholder images per WP:IPH --> M. O. H. Farook<br /><small>(1937–2012)</small> Kalapet 17 March 1969 2 January 1974 4 years, 291 days 3rd<br />(1969 <br>election) B. D. Jatti
2 <!-- Do not use placeholder images per WP:IPH --> M. D. R. Ramachandran<br /><small>(Unknown)</small> Mannadipet 16 January 1980 23 June 1983 3 years, 158 days 6th<br />(1980 <br>election) B. T. Kulkarni
3 8 March 1990 2 March 1991 359 days 8th<br />(1990 <br>election) Chandrawati
4 R. V. Janakiraman<br /><small>(1941–2019)</small> Nellithope 26 May 1996 21 March 2000 3 years, 300 days 10th<br />(1996<br>election) Rajendra Kumari Bajpai

List of Leaders of the Opposition

Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly

No. Portrait Name

<small>(Birth–Death)</small>

<small>Elected constituency</small> Term of office Template:Black<br /><small>Template:Black</small> Appointed by<br>Template:Black
Assumed office Left office <small>Time in office</small>
1 M. Karunanidhi<br /><small>(1924–2018)</small> Anna Nagar 25 July 1977 17 February 1980 5 years, 259 days 6th<br />(1977) Munu Adhi
27 June 1980 18 August 1983 7th<br />(1980) K. Rajaram
2 K. Anbazhagan<br /><small>(1922–2020)</small> Harbour 24 May 2001 14 April 2006 4 years, 325 days 12th<br />(2001) K. Kalimuthu
3 M. K. Stalin<br /><small>(born 1953)</small> Kolathur 4 June 2016 3 May 2021 4 years, 333 days 15th<br />(2016) P. Dhanapal

Pondicherry/Puducherry Legislative Assembly

No. Portrait Name

<small>(Birth–Death)</small>

<small>Elected constituency</small> Term of office [[Puducherry Legislative Assembly|Template:Black]]<br />([[Elections in Puducherry|Template:Black]])
Assumed office Left office Time in office
1 <!-- Do not use placeholder images per WP:IPH --> R.V. Janakiraman Nellithope 22 March 2000 15 May 2001 1 year, 54 days 10th<br />(1996 election)
16 May 2001 11 May 2006 4 years, 360 days 11th<br />(2001 election)
2 <!-- Do not use placeholder images per WP:IPH --> A. M. H. Nazeem Karaikal 29 May 2006 May 2011 5 years, 0 days 12th<br />(2006 election)
3 <!-- Do not use placeholder images per WP:IPH --> R. Siva Villianur 8 May 2021<ref>"Four-time MLA R Siva appointed leader of DMK legislature party in Puducherry". The New Indian Express. 8 May 2021. Retrieved 11 August 2022.</ref> Incumbent 5 years, 93 days 15th<br />(2021 election)

Madras State Legislative Assembly

Leader of the Opposition Term Start Term End Duration
V. R. Nedunchezhiyan 29 March 1962 28 February 1967 4 years, 337 days

List of Speakers & Deputy Speakers of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly

No. Name Deputy<br>Speaker Took<br> office Left<br> office Duration
1 Pulavar K. Govindan G. R. Edmund 22 February<br>1969 14 March<br> 1971 2 years, 20 days
N. Ganapathy 3 August<br> 1973 3 July<br> 1977 3 years, 334 days
2 K. A. Mathiazagan P. Seenivasan 24 March<br> 1971 2 December<br> 1972 1 year, 253 days
Acting P. Seenivasan<br> (Acting Speaker) 2 December<br> 1972 3 August<br> 1973 1 year, 172 days
3 M. Tamilkudimagan V. P. Duraisamy 8 February<br> 1989 30 June<br> 1991 2 years, 172 days
4 P. T. R. Palanivel Rajan Parithi Ilamvazhuthi 23 May<br> 1996 21 May<br> 2001 4 years, 363 days
5 R. Avudaiappan V. P. Duraisamy 19 May<br> 2006 15 May<br> 2011 4 years, 361 days
6 M. Appavu K. Pitchandi 12 May<br> 2021 Incumbent 5 years, 89 days

List of union cabinet ministers

V. P. Singh ministry (1989–90)

# Portrait Minister<br>(Birth-Death)<br>Constituency Term of office Portfolio Ministry Prime Minister
From To Period
1 Murasoli Maran<br>(1934–2003)<br>MP for Chennai South <small>2 December</small><br>1989 <small>10 November</small><br>1990 343 days Minister of Urban Development [[V. P. Singh ministry|Template:Black]] V. P. Singh

H.D Devegowda Ministry (1996–97)

No. Portrait Portfolio Name<br />(Birth–Death) Term in office Constituency<br />(House) Prime Minister
Assumed office Left office Time in office
1 <small>Minister of Industry</small> Murasoli Maran<br /><small>(1934–2003)</small> <small>1 June</small><br> 1996 <small>21 April</small><br>1997 324 days Chennai Central<br /><small>(Lok Sabha)</small> H. D. Deve Gowda
2 <!-- Do not use placeholder images per WP:IPH --> <small>Minister of Surface Transport</small> T. G. Venkatraman<br /><small>(1931–2013)</small> <small>1 June</small><br> 1996 <small>21 April</small><br>1997 324 days Tindivanam<br /><small>(Lok Sabha)</small>
3 <!-- Do not use placeholder images per WP:IPH --> <small>Minister of Defence</small><br />(MoS) N. V. N. Somu<br /><small>(–)</small> <small>6 July</small><br> 1996 <small>21 April</small><br>1997 289 days Chennai North<br /><small>(Lok Sabha)</small>
4 <small>Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas</small><br />(MoS) T. R. Baalu<br /><small>(born 1941)</small> <small>6 July</small><br> 1996 <small>21 April</small><br>1997 289 days Chennai South<br /><small>(Lok Sabha)</small>

I.K Gujral Ministry (1997–98)

No. Portrait Portfolio Name<br />(Birth–Death) Term in office Constituency<br />(House) Prime Minister
Assumed office Left office Time in office
1 <small>Minister of Industry</small> Murasoli Maran<br /><small>(1934–2003)</small> <small>21 April</small><br>1997 <small>19 March</small><br>1998 332 days Chennai Central<br /><small>(Lok Sabha)</small> I. K. Gujral
2 <!-- Do not use placeholder images per WP:IPH --> <small>Minister of Surface Transport</small> T. G. Venkatraman<br /><small>(1931–2013)</small> <small>21 April</small><br>1997 <small>19 March</small><br>1998 332 days Tindivanam<br /><small>(Lok Sabha)</small>
<small>Minister of Urban Affairs & Employment</small> <small>14 November</small><br>1997 <small>12 December</small><br>1997 28 days
3 <small>Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas</small><br />(MoS) T. R. Baalu<br /><small>(born 1941)</small> <small>21 April</small><br>1997 <small>19 March</small><br>1998 332 days Chennai South<br /><small>(Lok Sabha)</small>
<small>Minister of Non-Conventional Energy Sources</small><br />(MoS) <small>11 January</small><br>1998 <small>19 March</small><br>1998 67 days
4 <!-- Do not use placeholder images per WP:IPH --> <small>Minister of Defence</small><br />(MoS) N. V. N. Somu<br /><small>(–)</small> <small>21 April</small><br>1997 <small>14 November</small><br>1997<br /><small>(died in office)</small> 207 days Chennai North<br /><small>(Lok Sabha)</small>

Third Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ministry (1999–2004)

No. Portrait Portfolio Name<br />(Birth–Death) Term in office Constituency<br />(House) Prime Minister
Assumed office Left office Time in office
1 <small>Minister of Commerce & Industry</small> Murasoli Maran<br /><small>(1934–2003)</small> <small>13 October</small><br>1999 <small>9 November</small><br>2002 3 years, 27 days Chennai Central<br /><small>(Lok Sabha)</small> Atal Bihari Vajpayee
<small>Minister without portfolio</small> <small>9 November</small><br>2002 <small>23 November</small><br>2003 1 year, 14 days
2 <small>Minister of Environment & Forests</small> T. R. Baalu<br /><small>(born 1941)</small> <small>13 October</small><br>1999 <small>21 December</small><br>2003 4 years, 69 days Chennai South<br /><small>(Lok Sabha)</small>
3 <small>Minister of Rural Development</small><br />(MoS) A. Raja<br /><small>(born 1963)</small> <small>13 October</small><br>1999 <small>30 September</small><br>2001 1 year, 352 days Perambalur<br /><small>(Lok Sabha)</small>
<small>Minister of Health & Family Welfare</small><br />(MoS) <small>30 September</small><br>2000 <small>21 December</small><br>2003 3 years, 82 days

First Manmohan Singh Ministry (2004–2009)

No. Portrait Portfolio Name<br />(Birth–Death) Term in office Constituency<br />(House) Prime Minister
Assumed office Left office Time in office
1 <small>Minister of Environment and Forests</small> A. Raja<br /><small>(born 1963)</small> <small>23 May</small><br>2004 <small>15 May</small><br>2007 2 years, 357 days Perambalur<br /><small>(Lok Sabha)</small> Manmohan Singh
<small>Minister of Communications & Information Technology</small> <small>15 May</small><br>2007 <small>22 May</small><br>2009 2 years, 7 days
2 <small>Minister of Communications & Information Technology</small> Dayanidhi Maran<br /><small>(born 1966)</small> <small>23 May</small><br>2004 <small>15 May</small><br>2007 2 years, 357 days Chennai Central<br /><small>(Lok Sabha)</small>
3 <small>Minister of Road Transport and Highways</small> T. R. Baalu<br /><small>(born 1941)</small> <small>23 May</small><br>2004 <small>22 May</small><br>2009 4 years, 364 days Chennai South<br /><small>(Lok Sabha)</small>
<small>Minister of Shipping</small> <small>25 May</small><br> 2004 <small>2 September</small><br>2004[lower-alpha 1] 100 days
4 <!-- Do not use placeholder images per WP:IPH --> <small>Minister of Law and Justice</small><br>(MoS) K. Venkatapathy<br /><small>(born 1946)</small> <small>23 May</small><br>2004 <small>22 May</small><br>2009 4 years, 364 days Cuddalore<br /><small>(Lok Sabha)</small>
5 <small>Minister of Home Affairs</small><br>(MoS) S. Regupathy<br /><small>(born 1950)</small> <small>23 May</small><br>2004 <small>15 May</small><br>2007 2 years, 357 days Pudukkottai<br /><small>(Lok Sabha)</small>
<small>Minister of Environment and Forests</small><br>(MoS) <small>15 May</small><br>2007 <small>22 May</small><br>2009 2 years, 7 days
6 <small>Minister of Commerce and Industry</small><br>(MoS) S. S. Palanimanickam<br /><small>(born 1950)</small> <small>23 May</small><br>2004 <small>25 May</small><br> 2004 2 days Thanjavur<br /><small>(Lok Sabha)</small>
<small>Minister of Finance</small><br><small>(Revenue, from 29 January 2006)</small><br>(MoS) <small>25 May</small><br> 2004 <small>22 May</small><br>2009 4 years, 362 days
7 <small>Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment</small><br>(MoS) Subbulakshmi Jagadeesan<br /><small>(born 1947)</small> <small>23 May</small><br>2004 <small>22 May</small><br>2009 4 years, 364 days Tiruchengode<br /><small>(Lok Sabha)</small>
8 <small>Minister of Home Affairs</small><br>(MoS) V. Radhika Selvi<br /><small>(born 1976)</small> <small>18 May</small><br>2007 <small>22 May</small><br>2009 2 years, 4 days Tiruchendur<br /><small>(Lok Sabha)</small>

Second Manmohan Singh Ministry (2009–2014)

No. Portrait Portfolio Name<br />(Birth–Death) Term in office Constituency<br />(House) Prime Minister
Assumed office Left office Time in office
1 <small>Minister of Communications & Information Technology</small> A. Raja<br /><small>(born 1963)</small> <small>28 May</small><br>2009 <small>15 November</small><br>2010<br><ref>"Telecom Minister A Raja resigns; PM to keep charge of Telecom ministry". The Economic Times. 15 November 2010. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 11 September 2024.</ref><ref>"Raja resigns over 2G spectrum issue". Business Today. 15 November 2010. Retrieved 11 September 2024.</ref><ref>"CBI arrests former Telecom Minister A. Raja". The Hindu. 2 February 2011. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 11 September 2024.</ref> 1 year, 171 days Nilgiris<br /><small>(Lok Sabha)</small> Manmohan Singh
2 <small>Minister of Textiles</small> Dayanidhi Maran<br /><small>(born 1966)</small> <small>28 May</small><br>2009 <small>12 July</small><br>2011<br><ref>"Dayanidhi Maran resigns from Cabinet". BusinessLine. 7 July 2011. Retrieved 11 September 2024.</ref><ref>"Dayanidhi Maran resigns from Union Cabinet". The Times of India. 8 July 2011. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 11 September 2024.</ref> 2 years, 45 days Chennai Central<br /><small>(Lok Sabha)</small>
3 <small>Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers</small> M. K. Alagiri<br /><small>(born 1951)</small> <small>28 May</small><br>2009 <small>21 March</small><br>2013<ref>"Karunanidhi denies reports on Alagiri's resignation". The Hindu. 7 January 2011. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 11 September 2024.</ref> 3 years, 297 days Madurai<br /><small>(Lok Sabha)</small>
4 <small>Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment</small><br>(MoS) D. Napoleon<br /><small>(born 1963)</small> Perambalur<br /><small>(Lok Sabha)</small>
5 <small>Minister of Health & Family Welfare</small><br>(MoS) <small>S. Gandhiselvan</small><br /><small>(born 1963)</small> Namakkal<br /><small>(Lok Sabha)</small>
6 <small>Minister of Finance</small><br><small>(Revenue)</small><br>(MoS) <small>S. S. Palanimanickam</small><br /><small>(born 1950)</small> Thanjavur<br /><small>(Lok Sabha)</small>
7 <small>Minister of Information & Broadcasting</small><br>(MoS) <small>S. Jagathrakshakan</small><br /><small>(born 1950)</small> <small>28 May</small><br>2009 <small>28 October</small><br>2012 3 years, 153 days Arakkonam<br /><small>(Lok Sabha)</small>
<small>Minister of New & Renewable Energy</small><br>(MoS) <small>28 October</small><br>2012 <small>2 November</small><br>2012 5 days
<small>Minister of Commerce & Industry</small><br />(MoS) <small>2 November</small><br>2012 <small>21 March</small><br>2013<ref>"5 DMK ministers quit, PM accepts their resignations". The Economic Times. 20 March 2013. Retrieved 11 September 2024.</ref> 139 days

List of Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha

Portrait Name<br><small>(Birth–Death)</small> Elected constituency Lok Sabha<br><small>(Election)</small> Speaker Assumed office Left office Time in office Prime Minister
<!-- Do not use placeholder images per WP:IPH --> G. Lakshmanan<br><small>(1924–2001)</small> Chennai North 7th<br><small>(1980)</small> Balram Jakhar<br><small>(INC)</small> 1 December 1980 31 December 1984 4 years, 30 days Indira Gandhi

Splits and offshoots

There are two major parties that have been formed as a result of splits from the DMK, which are

Political lineage and offsprings of DMK

Template:DP-genealogy

Media

Tmt. Kanimozhi Karunanidhi<br />Deputy General Secretary of the party

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam party runs two newspapers: an English weekly named The Rising Sun and a Tamil daily named Murasoli.<ref>"DMK homepage". Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. Retrieved 11 November 2013.</ref>

Kalaignar TV is a TV channel group started on 15 September 2007 and managed by Kanimozhi Karunanidhi and Dayalu Ammal, the daughter and wife of Karunanidhi. The group has multiple sister channels: Kalaignar Isai Aruvi (24×7 Tamil music channel), Kalaignar Seithigal (24×7 Tamil news channel), Kalaignar Sirippoli (24×7 Tamil comedy channel), Kalaignar Chithiram (24×7 Tamil cartoon channel), Kalaignar Murasu(24×7 Tamil movie channel) and Kalaignar Asia.<ref>"Kalaignar Channel". Kalaignar Channel. Retrieved 11 November 2013.</ref>

See also

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Palanithurai 1997, pp. 21–22.
  2. Rubinoff 1997, p. 2829.
  3. Radhan 2002, p. 187.
  4. Fishman & Garcia 2010, pp. 230–.
  5. 5.0 5.1 Dirks 2001, p. 263.
  6. Ram 1977.
  7. Mills & Sen 2004, p. 151.
  8. Ramaswamy 1997, p. 8.
  9. Jaffrelot 2003, p. 244.
  10. Copley 1978, p. 311.
  11. Swaminathan 1974, p. 8.
  12. Venu 1979, p. 76.
  13. Rajagopalan 2001, pp. 153–156.
  14. Chakrabarty 2008, pp. 110–111.
  15. Hodges 2005.
  16. Rajagopalan 2001, pp. 152–154.
  17. Hardgrave 1965.
  18. Hardgrave 1973.
  19. Murali 2007, p. 82.

Notes

  1. The ministry's competences were transferred to the Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways in September 2004.

Publications

External links

Template:Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam Template:Dravidian politics

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