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{{multiple issues|
{{Short description|Indian political party}}
{{globalize|date=April 2014}}
{{pp-extended|small=yes}}
{{too few opinions|date=April 2014}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2024}}
{{more citations needed|date=March 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{Infobox Indian political party
|party_name        = Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
|colorcode        = {{party color|Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}
|logo              =
|abbreviation      = MDMK
|general_secretary = [[Vaiko]]
|secretary        = [[Durai Vaiko]]
|loksabha_leader  = [[Durai Vaiko]]
|rajyasabha_leader =
|founder          = [[Vaiko]]
|foundation        = {{start date and age|df=y|1994|05|06}}
|split            = [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]]
|headquarters      = Thayagam,<br/>12, Rukmini Lakshmipathi Salai, [[Egmore]], [[Chennai]] – 600008, [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]].
|students          = MDMK Student Wing
|youth            = MDMK Youth Wing
|women            = MDMK Women's Wing
|labour            = Marumalarchi Labour Front
|ideology          = {{ubl|[[Tamil nationalism]]|[[Dravidianism]]|[[Social democracy]]|[[Social justice]]|[[Secularism]]}}
|position          = [[Centre-left]]<ref>{{Cite book|last=Ogden|first=Chris|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hksIEAAAQBAJ|title=A Dictionary of Politics and International Relations in India|date=20 June 2019|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-253915-1|language=en|quote=Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (Tamil: 'Renaissance Dravidian Progress Federation') A political party. It was established in 1994...}}</ref>
|colours          = {{colour box|{{party color|Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}} [[Red]]
|eci              = [[List of political parties in India#state parties|Unrecognised parties]]<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'''<br />[[Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance|INDIA]] (since 2023)
* '''Regional Alliances'''<br/>[[Secular Progressive Alliance|SPA]] ([[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Puducherry (union territory)|Puducherry]])
{{hidden|Former Alliances|
*[[United Progressive Alliance|UPA]] (2004–2007), (2017-2023)''<small>(till dissolved)</small>'') (National)
* [[National Democratic Alliance]] <br/> (1998-2003) (India)
* [[Democratic Progressive Alliance]] <br/> (2006), (2017-2019)
* [[AIADMK led Alliance|AIADMK+]] <br/> (1998-1999) <br/> (2006-2011) (Tamil Nadu)
* [[People's Welfare Front]] <br/> (2016)
* MDMK Led Alliance <br/> (1996-1998)}}
|loksabha_seats = {{Composition bar|1|543|hex={{party color|Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
|rajyasabha_seats  = {{Composition bar|0|245|hex={{party color|Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
|state_seats_name  = [[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly]]
|state_seats      = {{Composition bar|4|234|hex={{party color|Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}}}
|symbol            = [[File:Indian Election Symbol Matchbox.png|100px]]
|flag              = MDMK.svg
|website          = [https://www.mdmk.org.in/ www.mdmk.org.in]
}}
}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Dravidian politics-col}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2016}}
The '''Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam''' ({{translation|Renaissance Dravidian Progressive Federation}}; {{small|abbr.}} '''MDMK''') is a [[political party]] active in the [[India]]n state of [[Tamil Nadu]]. It was established by [[Vaiko]] in 1994 after he left the [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]]. The headquarters of the party is called Thayagam, which is located at Rukmini Lakshmipathi Salai, [[Egmore]], [[Chennai]].
{{Infobox Indian Political Party
|party_name      = Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
|party_logo      = MDMK Top.png
|abbreviation    = ''MDMK''
|colorcode      = Red
|general_secretary      =
|Chief_secretary        = [[Durai vaiyapuri]]
|loksabha_leader = [[A. Ganesamoorthy]]
|ppchairman = [[Vaiko]]
|rajyasabha_leader = [[Vaiko]]
|founder        = [[Vaiko]]
|split            = [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]]
|foundation      = {{start date and age|df=yes|p=y|1994|05|06}}
|alliance        = 1)MDMK : Owne Alliance '''Makkal Jananayaka Munnani''' (1996–1998) & [[People's Welfare Front|Makkal Nala Koottani]] (2015–2016)<br>2)[[Bharatiya Janata party]] : ([[National Democratic Alliance (India)|NDA]]) (1998–2004 & 2014–2014)<br>3)[[AIADMK]] : Jananayaka Makkal Koottani (2006–2009)<br>4)[[AIADMK]]–[[CPI (M)]] : ([[Third Front (India)|UNPA]]) (2009–2011)<br>5)[[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|DMK]]–[[Indian National Congress|Congress]] : ([[United Progressive Alliance|UPA]]) (2004–2007 & 2019–Continue Alliance)<br>6)[[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|DMK]]–([[Secular Progressive Alliance|SPA]]) (2021–Present)
|ideology        = [[Social democracy]]<br>[[Social justice]]<br>[[Regionalism (politics)|Regionalism]] <br>[[Dravidianism]]
| position      = [[Centre-left politics|Centre-left]]
|publication    =
|labour          = Marumalarchi Labour Front
|headquarters    =  Thayagam, [[Egmore]], [[Chennai]] - 600008, [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]]
| loksabha_seats = {{Composition bar|1|543|hex=#DD1100}}(Currently '''543''' members)
| rajyasabha_seats= {{Composition bar|1|245|hex=#DD1100}}
(Currently '''240''' members)
| state_seats_name = [[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly]]
| state_seats = {{Composition bar|4|234|hex=#DD1100}}
(currently '''234''' members)
|symbol          =
|flag            = MDMK.svg
|website        = [http://www.mdmk.org.in mdmk.org.in]
|eci=}}
 
The '''Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam''' ({{translation}} 'Renaissance Dravidian Progressive Federation') is a [[political party]] active in the [[India]]n states of [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Puducherry (union territory)|Puducherry]]. It was established by [[Vaiko]] in 1994 after he left the [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]].


==History==
==History==
===Formation===
===Formation===
Vaiko was a member of Rajya Sabha and a party activist of [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] (DMK). Vaiko grew in the party from his student days and actively participated in the party agitations and courted imprisonment several times. He was elected thrice to the Rajya Sabha. In 1994, he was forced out of the parent body as he was seen as a threat to DMK chief [[Karunanidhi]]'s son, [[M.K. Stalin]]. [[Vaiko]] along with some district secretaries announced the decision to start a rival party, which became the MDMK.
Vaiko was a member of the [[Rajya Sabha]] and a party activist of [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] (DMK). Vaiko was a member of the party from his initial student days and actively participated in the party agitations and courted arrest several times. He was elected thrice to the Rajya Sabha. In 1994, he was forced out of the parent body as he was seen as a threat to DMK chief [[Karunanidhi]]'s son, [[M.K. Stalin]]. [[Vaiko]] along with some district secretaries announced the decision to start a rival party, which became the MDMK.


===Support for Sri Lankan Tamils===
===Support for Sri Lankan Tamils===
Vaiko voiced support for Tamils during the [[Sri Lankan Civil War]], including for the [[Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam]] specifically and their goal of secession from Sri Lanka.
Vaiko voiced support for Tamils during the [[Sri Lankan civil war|Sri Lankan Civil War]], including for the [[Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam]] specifically and their goal of secession from Sri Lanka.


===Support for the Mullaperiyar Dam===
===Support for the Mullaperiyar Dam===
Kerala government was keen to demolish the [[Mullaperiyar Dam]] because of [[Mullaperiyar Dam#Dam safety|safety concerns]]. However, the dam's reservoir is a prime source for irrigation for more than 8 districts including [[Theni district|Theni]]. As a result, Vaiko led an [[Tamil Nadu-Kerala dam row#Interstate dispute|agitation]] against Kerala government.
The Government of Kerala was keen to demolish the [[Mullaperiyar Dam]] because of [[Mullaperiyar Dam#Dam safety|safety concerns]]. However, the dam's reservoir is a prime source for irrigation for more than 8 districts including [[Theni district|Theni]]. As a result, Vaiko led an [[Tamil Nadu-Kerala dam row#Interstate dispute|agitation]] against the Kerala government.


===Split in MDMK===
===Split in MDMK===
With the looming possibility of a vote of confidence in Parliament against [[United Progressive Alliance|UPA]], two party [[Member of Parliament|MP]]s, [[L. Ganesan]] and [[Gingee N. Ramachandran]], claimed that they enjoy the support of the majority of party cadre and decided to pledge support to the UPA government. They later withdrew their claim and joined DMK when it was found that they had forged letters of support of party executives.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/12147|title=Indian Prez summons PM: Trust vote likely on July 21 or 22, Singh garners enough votes - Asian Tribune|access-date=16 July 2016}}</ref>
With the looming possibility of a vote of confidence in Parliament against the [[United Progressive Alliance|UPA]], two party [[Member of Parliament|MP]]s, [[L. Ganesan]] and [[Gingee N. Ramachandran]], claimed that they enjoyed the support of the majority of party cadre and decided to pledge support to the UPA government. They later withdrew their claim and joined DMK when it was found that they had forged letters of support of party executives.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/12147|title=Indian Prez summons PM: Trust vote likely on July 21 or 22, Singh garners enough votes - Asian Tribune|access-date=16 July 2016}}</ref>


===Boycott of Assembly Election 2011===
===Boycott of Assembly Election 2011===
Line 59: Line 64:


===MDMK snap ties with NDA===
===MDMK snap ties with NDA===
The MDMK left the BJP-led [[National Democratic Alliance]] in December 2014, accusing the BJP of acting against Tamil interests. This came after heavy criticism of the party from BJP lawmaker [[Subramanian Swamy]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Vaikos-MDMK-snaps-ties-with-NDA-hits-out-at-Modi-govt/articleshow/45411799.cms|title=Vaiko's MDMK snaps ties with NDA, hits out at Modi govt - Times of India|access-date=16 July 2016}}</ref>
The MDMK left the BJP-led [[National Democratic Alliance]] in December 2014, accusing the BJP of acting against Tamil interests. This came after heavy criticism of the party from BJP lawmaker [[Subramanian Swamy]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Vaikos-MDMK-snaps-ties-with-NDA-hits-out-at-Modi-govt/articleshow/45411799.cms|title=Vaiko's MDMK snaps ties with NDA, hits out at Modi govt|website=[[The Times of India]] |date=8 December 2014 |access-date=16 July 2016}}</ref>
 
===Formation and Departure from Makkal Nalla Kottani [People's Welfare Front (PWF)]===
As part of the [[Makkal Nalla Kottani]] alliance, MDMK (led by [[Vaiko]]) participated in the 2016 election campaigning. Leaders released campaign materials such as manifestos and songs to mobilize voters.
 
Vaiko and [[Makkal Nalla Kottani]] leaders spoke publicly about the front as a potential alternative to the traditional major parties; at various points [[Vaiko]] claimed that people were disillusioned with [[All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|AIADMK]] and [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|DMK]] rule and expected the front to perform well.
 
In the [[2016 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election]], the [[Makkal Nalla Kottani]] contested seats across the state, fielding candidates from its constituent parties including MDMK.
 
However, the [[Makkal Nalla Kottani]] failed to make a significant impact in the election results. The major contest was still dominated by the two big regional alliances, and [[Makkal Nalla Kottani]] did not win a meaningful share of seats. Independent records show that smaller parties, including [[Makkal Nalla Kottani]] partners, were unable to secure victories comparable to the [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]]-led or [[All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|AIADMK alliances]].
 
After the elections, there were reports in late 2016 that MDMK decided to exit the [[Makkal Nalla Kottani]] alliance. MDMK general secretary [[Vaiko]] publicly announced MDMK’s departure from that coalition amid internal differences and electoral disappointment.<ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.thehinducentre.com/verdict/tamil-nadus-experiments-with-electoral-alliances/article64936341.ece
|title=Tamil Nadu’s experiments with electoral alliances
|website=The Hindu Centre
|language=en
|access-date=2016-04-18
}}</ref>
 
===Alliance with DMK===
MDMK formally quit the [[Makkal Nalla Kottani]] on 27 December 2016 due to differences following the poor results of the [[2016 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2016 polls]]. It notes that after exiting, MDMK later aligned with the [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]]-led alliance in subsequent elections.
 
In December 2017, MDMK decided to support the [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] in the [[Radhakrishnan Nagar Assembly constituency]] by-election — marking its first public cooperation with [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] after a break of over a decade. [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] working president [[M. K. Stalin]] welcomed MDMK’s support and described it as part of a broader opposition coalition against the [[All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|then-AIADMK]] regime.<ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/after-over-a-decade-mdmk-to-support-dmk/articleshow/61902847.cms
|title=After over a decade, MDMK to support DMK
|website=The Economic Times
|language=en
|access-date=2017-12-04
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://tamil.samayam.com/latest-news/state-news/makkal-nala-kootani-leaders-commented-on-vaikos-decision/articleshow/56199169.cms
|title=மக்கள் நல கூட்டு: வைகோ முடிவை கட்சி தலைவர்கள் கருத்து
|website=Samayam Tamil
|language=ta
|access-date=2016-12-25
}}</ref>
 
===2019 Indian General Elections===
In the 2019 Indian general election in Tamil Nadu, the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance included several smaller parties such as MDMK, CPI(M), CPI, VCK and others.
 
As part of that alliance, MDMK was allocated one Lok Sabha seat to contest.
 
According to Election Commission filings and election data, MDMK fought its 2019 Lok Sabha contest on the DMK’s “Rising Sun” symbol rather than its own independent symbol. Because of this, the Election Commission’s official records count MDMK candidates under the DMK party tally in the final seat-wise results.<ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/after-25-years-vaiko-comes-under-rising-sun/article26441801.ece
|title=After 25 years, Vaiko comes under the rising sun
|website=The Hindu
|language=en
|access-date=2019-03-29
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.thehindu.com/elections/lok-sabha-2019/mdmk-names-ganeshamurthi-as-candidate-for-erode-lok-sabha-seat/article26552617.ece
|title=MDMK names Ganeshamurthi as candidate for Erode Lok Sabha seat
|website=The Hindu
|language=en
|access-date=2019-05-15
}}</ref>
 
===2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Election===
 
In the [[2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election]], the MDMK contested as an ally of the [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] and used the [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]]'s 'Rising Sun' symbol for all its candidates.
 
The MDMK was allotted 6 seats as part of the [[Secular Progressive Alliance|DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance]].
 
Although party founder [[Vaiko]] initially expressed a desire to contest on an independent symbol, he ultimately agreed to use the [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]]'s Rising Sun symbol due to "practical necessity".
 
Constituencies Contested: [[Sattur Assembly constituency|Sattur]], [[Palladam Assembly constituency|Palladam]], [[Madurai South Assembly constituency|Madurai South]], [[Vasudevanallur Assembly constituency|Vasudevanallur (Reserved)]], [[Maduranthakam Assembly constituency|Madurantakam (Reserved)]], [[Ariyalur Assembly constituency|Ariyalur]]. The MDMK won 4 of the 6 seats it contested under the Rising Sun symbol.<ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.thehindu.com/elections/tamil-nadu-assembly/tn-assembly-elections-mdmk-to-contest-six-seats-in-dmk-symbol/article34007567.ece
|title=MDMK to contest six seats in DMK symbol
|website=The Hindu
|language=en
|access-date=2021-03-04
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/tamil-nadu/dmk-finalises-constituencies-mdmk-iuml-and-three-other-allies-145016
|title=DMK finalises constituencies for MDMK, IUML and three other allies
|website=The News Minute
|language=en
|access-date=2021-03-11
}}</ref>
 
===2024 Lok Sabha Elections===
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the MDMK made a strategic shift by contesting on its own independent symbol rather than the [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|DMK's 'Rising Sun']]. This decision was championed by [[Durai Vaiko]], son of MDMK founder [[Vaiko]], who made his political debut in this election.
 
[[Durai Vaiko]], MDMK's principal secretary, contested from the [[Tiruchirappalli Lok Sabha constituency|Tiruchirappalli (Tiruchi) constituency]].
 
The party initially sought to reclaim its traditional "Top" symbol, but the [[Election Commission of India]] refused because the party was contesting only one seat and lacked recognition as a [[List of political parties in India|state party]].
 
After a legal challenge in the [[Madras High Court]], the [[Election Commission of India]] allotted the "Matchbox" symbol to the MDMK for the [[2024 Indian general election in Tamil Nadu|2024 polls]].
 
[[Durai Vaiko]] won the [[Tiruchirappalli Lok Sabha constituency|Tiruchirappalli]] seat by a significant margin of 3,13,094 votes. He secured a total of 5,42,213 votes, defeating his closest rival, P. Karuppaiah of the [[All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|AIADMK]]. By securing 5.42 lakh votes in [[Tiruchirappalli Lok Sabha constituency|Trichy]], [[Durai Vaiko]] defeated.<ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.dtnext.in/news/tamilnadu/ls-polls-durai-vaiko-delivers-trichy-what-mdmk-needed-the-most-788503
|title=LS polls: Durai Vaiko delivers in Trichy what MDMK needed the most
|website=DT Next
|language=en
|access-date=2026-01-30
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.dtnext.in/specials/lok-sabha-polls/ls-polls-mdmks-durai-vaiko-gets-match-box-symbol-to-contest-in-tiruchy-777124
|title=LS polls: MDMK’s Durai Vaiko gets match-box symbol to contest in Tiruchy
|website=DT Next
|language=en
|access-date=2026-01-30
}}</ref>
<ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/tiruchirappalli-election-results-2024-tamil-nadu-tiruchirappalli-lok-sabha-elections-poll-result-updates-karuppaiah-p-aiadmk-rajessh-t-ntk/articleshow/110678805.cms
|title=Tiruchirappalli Election Results 2024: Tamil Nadu – Tiruchirappalli Lok Sabha elections poll result updates
|website=The Times of India
|language=en
}}</ref>
 
===2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election===
Ahead of the [[2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election]], a meeting was held between [[M. K. Stalin]], president of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, and Vaiko, general secretary of the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK), to discuss seat-sharing arrangements.
 
Following the discussions, it was announced that the MDMK, a constituent of the Secular Progressive Alliance, would contest four constituencies in the election. Of these, the party will contest three constituencies using the DMK’s “Rising Sun” symbol and one constituency using the MDMK’s party symbol.<ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://x.com/ANI/status/2031739595025784847
|title=For the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly General Election, a discussion was held between DMK President-Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and MDMK General Secretary Vaiko regarding seat-sharing arrangements
|website=ANI (X)
|language=en
|access-date=2026-01-30
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/tamil-nadu-assembly-election-mdmk-gets-four-seats-in-dmk-alliance/articleshow/129468324.cms
|title=Tamil Nadu assembly election: MDMK gets four seats in DMK alliance
|website=The Times of India
|language=en
|access-date=2026-01-30
}}</ref>


==Party flag and symbol==
==Party flag and symbol==
The election symbol is a [[top]]. The colour of the top and bottom panel is red and middle panel is black. The party has a weekly journal called ''Sangoli'' which carries news and write ups for party workers.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://eci.gov.in/StatisticalReports/SE_2006/StatReport_TN_2006.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=5 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090304080440/http://www.eci.gov.in/StatisticalReports/SE_2006/StatReport_TN_2006.pdf |archive-date=4 March 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Initial Symbol (1994): The MDMK initially contested elections on the "Umbrella" symbol.
 
The MDMK lost its status as a recognized state party in 2010 due to insufficient vote shares in previous elections. This led to the loss of the "Top" as its reserved symbol.
 
In the [[2024 Indian general election in Tamil Nadu|2024 Lok Sabha elections]], the party tried to reclaim the "Top" via the [[Madras High Court]], but the [[Election Commission of India]] refused because the party contested only a single seat. They ultimately used the "Matchbox" symbol for the campaign.<ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.thehindu.com/elections/lok-sabha-2019/no-rising-sun-mdmk-wants-its-own-symbol/article26602250.ece
|title=No rising sun: MDMK wants its own symbol
|website=The Hindu
|language=en
|access-date=2019-05-24
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.thehindu.com/elections/lok-sabha/lok-sabha-polls-mdmk-loses-top-symbol-because-of-its-decision-to-contest-in-only-one-seat/article67997757.ece
|title=Lok Sabha polls: MDMK loses top symbol because of its decision to contest in only one seat
|website=The Hindu
|language=en
|access-date=2024-03-20
}}</ref>
The election symbol is a match box. The colour of the party flag's top and bottom panel is red and middle panel is black. The party has a weekly journal called ''Sangoli'' which carries news and write ups for party workers.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://eci.gov.in/StatisticalReports/SE_2006/StatReport_TN_2006.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=5 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090304080440/http://www.eci.gov.in/StatisticalReports/SE_2006/StatReport_TN_2006.pdf |archive-date=4 March 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2024 Parliament Election, the ECI allotted Matchbox with stick symbol for contesting in Trichy.
 
==Lok Sabha==
===Election Performance===
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;"
|+[[File:Lok Sabha.svg{{!}}class=skin-invert|100px]] [[Lok Sabha]] Elections
!style="background-color:#CC0000;color:white"|Year
!style="background-color:#CC0000;color:white"|Lok Sabha
!style="background-color:#CC0000;color:white"|Seats<br>contested
!style="background-color:#CC0000;color:white"|Seats won
!style="background-color:#CC0000;color:white"|(+/-) in seats
!style="background-color:#CC0000;color:white"|% of votes
!style="background-color:#CC0000;color:white"|Vote swing
!style="background-color:#CC0000;color:white"|Popular vote
|-
|[[1996 Indian general election|1996]]
|[[11th Lok Sabha|11th]]
|24
|{{Composition bar|0|39|{{party color|Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}|background-color=|border border-color=darkgray|width=|per=1}}
|{{new}}
|4.50%
|{{new}}
|12,22,415
|-
|[[1998 Indian general election|1998]]
|[[12th Lok Sabha|12th]]
|5
|{{Composition bar|3|39|{{party color|Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}|background-color=|border border-color=darkgray|width=|per=1}}
|{{increase}} 3
|6.26%
|{{increase}} 1.76
|16,02,504
|-
|[[1999 Indian general election|1999]]
|[[13th Lok Sabha|13th]]
|5
|{{Composition bar|4|39|{{party color|Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}|background-color=|border border-color=darkgray|width=|per=1}}
|{{increase}} 1
|5.95%
|{{decrease}} 0.31
|16,20,527
|-
|[[2004 Indian general election|2004]]
|[[14th Lok Sabha|14th]]
|4
|{{Composition bar|4|39|{{party color|Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}|background-color=|border border-color=darkgray|width=|per=1}}
|{{Steady}}
|5.95%
|{{steady}}
|16,79,870
|-
|[[2009 Indian general election|2009]]
|[[15th Lok Sabha|15th]]
|4
|{{Composition bar|1|39|{{party color|Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}|background-color=|border border-color=darkgray|width=|per=1}}
|{{decrease}} 3
|3.66%
|{{decrease}} 2.29
|11,12,908
|-
|[[2014 Indian general election|2014]]
|[[16th Lok Sabha|16th]]
|7
|{{Composition bar|0|39|{{party color|Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}|background-color=|border border-color=darkgray|width=|per=1}}
|{{decrease}} 1
|3.54%
|{{decrease}} 0.12
|14,17,535
|-
|[[2019 Indian general election|2019]]
|[[17th Lok Sabha|17th]]
|1
|{{Composition bar|1|39|{{party color|Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}|background-color=|border border-color=darkgray|width=|per=1}}
|{{increase}} 1
|1.30%
|{{decrease}} 2.24
|5,63,591
|-
|[[2024 Indian general election|2024]]
|[[18th Lok Sabha|18th]]
|1
|{{Composition bar|1|39|{{party color|Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}|background-color=|border border-color=darkgray|width=|per=1}}
|{{Steady}}
|1.28%
|{{decrease}} 0.02
|5,42,213
|-
|}
 
===List of Lok Sabha Members===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;"
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#CC0000;color:white"|Year
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#CC0000;color:white"|Election
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#CC0000;color:white"|Member
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#CC0000;color:white"|Constituency
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#CC0000;color:white"|Remarks
|-
|-
|rowspan="3"| [[1998 Indian general election|1998]]
|rowspan="3"| [[12th Lok Sabha]]
| [[Gingee N. Ramachandran]]
| [[Tindivanam Lok Sabha constituency|Tindivanam]]
|
|-
| [[A. Ganeshamurthi]]
| [[Palani Lok Sabha constituency|Palani]]
|
|-
| [[Vaiko]]
| [[Sivakasi Lok Sabha constituency|Sivakasi]]
|
|-
|-
|rowspan="4"| [[1999 Indian general election|1999]]
|rowspan="4"| [[13th Lok Sabha]]
| [[Gingee N. Ramachandran]]
| [[Tindivanam Lok Sabha constituency|Tindivanam]]
| Re-elected for 2nd term
|-
| [[M. Kannappan]]
| [[Tiruchengode Lok Sabha constituency|Tiruchengode]]
|
|-
| [[C. Krishnan (MDMK politician)|C. Krishnan]]
| [[Pollachi Lok Sabha constituency|Pollachi (SC)]]
|
|-
| [[Vaiko]]
| [[Sivakasi Lok Sabha constituency|Sivakasi]]
| Re-elected for 2nd term
|-
|-
|rowspan="4"| [[2004 Indian general election|2004]]
|rowspan="4"| [[14th Lok Sabha]]
| [[Gingee N. Ramachandran]]
| [[Vandavasi Lok Sabha constituency|Vandavasi]]
| Re-elected for 3rd term
|-
| [[C. Krishnan (MDMK politician)|C. Krishnan]]
| [[Pollachi Lok Sabha constituency|Pollachi (SC)]]
| Re-elected for 2nd term
|-
| [[L. Ganesan]]
| [[Tiruchirappalli Lok Sabha constituency|Tiruchirappalli]]
|
|-
| [[A. Ravichandran]]
| [[Sivakasi Lok Sabha constituency|Sivakasi]]
|
|-
| [[2009 Indian general election|2009]]
| [[15th Lok Sabha]]
| [[A. Ganeshamurthi]]
| [[Erode Lok Sabha constituency|Erode]]
| Re-elected for 2nd term
|-
| [[2019 Indian general election|2019]]
| [[17th Lok Sabha]]
| [[A. Ganeshamurthi]]
| [[Erode Lok Sabha constituency|Erode]]
| Re-elected for 3rd term<br>Contested on DMK symbol
|-
| [[2024 Indian general election|2024]]
| [[18th Lok Sabha]]
| [[Durai Vaiko]]
| [[Tiruchirappalli Lok Sabha constituency|Tiruchirappalli]]
|
|-
|}
 
===List of Rajya Sabha Members===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Name
! Position
! colspan="2" |Party
! <small>Constituency</small>
! From
! To
! Tenure
|-
| [[Vaiko]]
| [[Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha]]<br><small>(4th Term)</small>
| {{Party name with color|Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam}}
| [[Tamil Nadu]]
| <small>25 July</small><br>2019
| <small>24 July</small><br>2025
| '''{{ayd|2019|7|25|2025|7|24}}'''
|}
 
==Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Election==
===Election Performance===
{| class=wikitable
|+Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly
! style="width:25%;" Style="background-color:#cc0000; color:white" | Election Year 
! style="width:25%;" Style="background-color:#cc0000; color:white" | Election
! style="width:25%;" Style="background-color:#cc0000; color:white" | Votes polled
! style="width:25%;" Style="background-color:#cc0000; color:white" | Won
! style="width:25%;" Style="background-color:#cc0000; color:white" | Change of Seats
! style="width:25%;" Style="background-color:#cc0000; color:white" | Alliance
! style="width:25%;" Style="background-color:#cc0000; color:white" | Result
|-
|1996
|[[1996 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|11th Assembly]]
|1,569,168
|{{Composition bar|0|177|hex=#cc0000}}
| No Change
|MDMK+ alliance
| ! style="background:#FFA07A;"| Lost
|-
|2001
|[[2001 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|12th Assembly]]
|1,304,469
|{{Composition bar|0|213|hex=#2368C7}}
|{{decrease}}213
|MDMK+
| ! style="background:#FFA07A;" | Lost
|-
|2006
|[[2006 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|13th Assembly]]
|1,971,565
|{{Composition bar|6|35|hex=#cc0000}}
|{{increase}} 6
|[[AIADMK-led Alliance|AIADMK Front]]
| ! style="background:#98FB98;" | Lost


==Election history==
|-
They contested in many elections and won in a few and boycotted 2011 elections, and despite the UPA alliance in which they were in winning majority seats in Tamil Nadu and all over India in 2004 elections, in 2014 elections they couldn't do the same in Tamil Nadu, despite their alliance winning the elections in other states. And in 2016 tamil nadu state elections they played a key role in forming the third front.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/elections/tamilnadu2016/assemby-polls-in-a-first-in-two-decades-tn-sees-multiple-alliances/article8390630.ece|title = In a first in two decades, T.N. Sees multiple alliances|newspaper = The Hindu|date = 24 March 2016|last1 = Kumar|first1 = D. Suresh}}</ref>
|2016
|[[2016 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|15th Assembly]]
|2,300,775
|{{Composition bar|0|29|hex=#2368C7}}
|{{decrease}} 6
|[[People's Welfare Front|PWF]]
| ! style="background:#FFA07A;"| Lost
|-
|2021
|[[2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|16th Assembly]]
|4,86,976
|{{Composition bar|4|6|hex=#cc0000}}
|{{increase}} 4
|[[Secular Democratic Alliance|SPA+]]
| ! style="background:#98FB98;" | Won
|}
===List of MLAs elected===


===2017 [[R.K.Nagar]] by-poll===
==Incumbent Member(s) of Legislative Assembly==


After the defeat 2016 Elections, MDMK has slowly move towards DMK. Before R.K.Nagar bypoll Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) announced their support to the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in the Assembly by-poll. The alliance with DMK defined as a significant change because MDMK made an alliance with DMK after a decade.
{| class="sortable wikitable" style="text-align:center; border: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;"
|+ style="background-color:#cc0000; color:white;"| Current MLAs
|-
! style="background-color:#cc0000; color:white;"| S.No
! style="background-color:#cc0000; color:white;"| Member
! style="background-color:#cc0000; color:white;"| Party Role
|- "background-color:#cc0000; color:white;"
|1.
|[[T. Sadhan Tirumalaikumar]]
|Party Leader in [[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly|Assembly]], MLA from [[Vasudevanallur Assembly constituency|Vasudevanallur]]
|- style="background-color:#f9f9f9;"
|2.
|[[K. Chinnappa]]
|MLA from [[Ariyalur Assembly constituency|Ariyalur]]
|- style="background-color:#f9f9f9;"
|3.
|[[M. Boominathan]]
|MLA from [[Madurai South Assembly constituency|Madurai South]]
|- style="background-color:#f9f9f9;"
|4.
|[[A. R. R. Raghuraman]]
|MLA from [[Sattur Assembly constituency|Sattur]]
|- style="background-color:#f9f9f9;"
|}


===2019 Indian Parliamentary Elections===
==List of Union Ministers==
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;"
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#cc0000;color:white"|No.
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#cc0000;color:white"|Portrait
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#cc0000;color:white"|Portfolio
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#cc0000;color:white"|Name<br />{{small|(Birth–Death)}}
!colspan=3 style="background-color:#cc0000;color:white"|Term in office
!rowspan=2 style="background-color:#cc0000;color:white"|Constituency<br />{{small|(House)}}
!rowspan=2 colspan=2 style="background-color:#cc0000;color:white"|[[Prime Minister of India|{{white|Prime Minister}}]]
|-
!style="background-color:#cc0000;color:white"|Assumed office
!style="background-color:#cc0000;color:white"|Left office
!style="background-color:#cc0000;color:white"|Time in office
|-
!1
|[[File:Blank.svg|70px]]<!-- Do not use placeholder images per WP:IPH -->
|'''<small>[[Ministry of New and Renewable Energy|Minister of Non-Conventional Energy Sources]]</small>'''<br />'''[{{abbr|MoS(I/C)|Minister of State (Independent Charge)}}]'''
|'''[[M. Kannappan]]'''<br /><small>(–)</small>
|<small>13 October</small><br>1999
|<small>30 December</small><br>2003
!'''{{ayd|1999|10|13|2003|12|30}}'''
|[[Tiruchengode Lok Sabha constituency|Tiruchengode]]<br /><small>([[Lok Sabha]])</small>
|rowspan=5|[[Atal Bihari Vajpayee]]
|rowspan=5 {{party color cell|Bharatiya Janata Party}}
|-
!rowspan="4"|2
|rowspan="4"|[[File:Blank.svg|70px]]<!-- Do not use placeholder images per WP:IPH -->
|'''<small>[[Ministry of Textiles|Minister of Textiles]]</small>'''<br>'''[{{abbr|MoS|Minister of State}}]'''
|rowspan="4"|'''[[Gingee N. Ramachandran]]'''<br /><small>(born 1944)</small>
|<small>13 October</small><br> 1999
|<small>30 September</small><br>2000
!'''{{ayd|1999|10|13|2000|9|30}}'''
|rowspan="4"|[[Tindivanam Lok Sabha constituency|Tindivanam]]<br /><small>([[Lok Sabha]])</small>
|-
|<small>'''[[Minister of Finance (India)|Minister of Finance]]'''</small><br>'''[{{abbr|MoS|Minister of State}}]'''
|<small>30 September</small><br>2000
|<small>1 July</small><br>2002
!'''{{ayd|2000|9|30|2002|7|1}}'''
|-
|<small>'''[[Minister of Finance (India)|Minister of Finance & Company Affairs]]'''</small><br>'''[{{abbr|MoS|Minister of State}}]'''
|<small>1 July</small><br>2002
|<small>24 May</small><br>2003
!'''{{ayd|2002|7|1|2003|5|23}}'''
|-
|'''<small>[[Ministry of Textiles|Minister of Textiles]]</small>'''<br>'''[{{abbr|MoS|Minister of State}}]'''
|<small>8 September</small><br>2003
|<small>30 December</small><br>2003
!'''{{ayd|2003|9|8|2003|12|30}}'''
|-
|}


MDMK continues its alliance with DMK, and they got one Lok Sabha seat. Former Member of Parliament Ganeshamurthi, from Erode constituency, once again won. In this election, DMK alliance wins 38 out of 39 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/politics/erode-lok-sabha-election-result-2019-live-updates-party-candidate-constituency-wise-winner-loser-leading-trailing-6660961.html|title = Erode Lok Sabha Election Result 2019 LIVE updates: Party, Candidate, Constituency wise Winner, Loser, Leading, Trailing-Politics News , Firstpost|date = 23 May 2019}}</ref> MDMK gets one Lok Sabha seat and one Rajya Sabha seats, Lok Sabha seat allocated for former parliament member Ganeshamurthi and Rajya sabha seat allocated to General Secretary Vaiko. Vaiko Steps into Rajya Sabha after 20 years.{{citation needed|date=June 2020}}
== See also ==
* [[List of political parties in India]]


==References==
==References==
Line 81: Line 536:
* [http://mdmk.org.in/ Official Website of the party]
* [http://mdmk.org.in/ Official Website of the party]
* [https://www.loc.gov/item/lcwa00093055/ MDMK profile listed in Library of congress]
* [https://www.loc.gov/item/lcwa00093055/ MDMK profile listed in Library of congress]
{{Dravidian politics-hor}}
{{Dravidian politics}}
{{Indian political parties}}
{{Indian political parties}}


Line 89: Line 544:
[[Category:Political parties in Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Political parties in Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:1994 establishments in Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:1994 establishments in Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Political parties in India]]
[[Category:Member parties of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance]][[Category:Former member parties of the National Democratic Alliance]]

Latest revision as of 20:59, 14 March 2026


Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
AbbreviationMDMK
SecretaryDurai Vaiko
General SecretaryVaiko
Lok Sabha leaderDurai Vaiko
FounderVaiko
Founded6 May 1994; 32 years ago (1994-05-06)
Split fromDravida Munnetra Kazhagam
HeadquartersThayagam,
12, Rukmini Lakshmipathi Salai, Egmore, Chennai – 600008, Tamil Nadu, India.
Student wingMDMK Student Wing
Youth wingMDMK Youth Wing
Women's wingMDMK Women's Wing
Labour wingMarumalarchi Labour Front
Ideology
Political positionCentre-left[1]
Colours  Red
ECI StatusUnrecognised parties[2]
Alliance
Former Alliances
Seats in Lok Sabha
1 / 543
Seats in Rajya Sabha
0 / 245
Seats in Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly
4 / 234
Election symbol
Party flag
Website
www.mdmk.org.in
Articles related to
Dravidian politics
Varied topics
Forerunners
Dravidian parties
Chief Ministers

The Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (transl. Renaissance Dravidian Progressive Federation; abbr. MDMK) is a political party active in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It was established by Vaiko in 1994 after he left the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. The headquarters of the party is called Thayagam, which is located at Rukmini Lakshmipathi Salai, Egmore, Chennai.

History[edit | edit source]

Formation[edit | edit source]

Vaiko was a member of the Rajya Sabha and a party activist of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). Vaiko was a member of the party from his initial student days and actively participated in the party agitations and courted arrest several times. He was elected thrice to the Rajya Sabha. In 1994, he was forced out of the parent body as he was seen as a threat to DMK chief Karunanidhi's son, M.K. Stalin. Vaiko along with some district secretaries announced the decision to start a rival party, which became the MDMK.

Support for Sri Lankan Tamils[edit | edit source]

Vaiko voiced support for Tamils during the Sri Lankan Civil War, including for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam specifically and their goal of secession from Sri Lanka.

Support for the Mullaperiyar Dam[edit | edit source]

The Government of Kerala was keen to demolish the Mullaperiyar Dam because of safety concerns. However, the dam's reservoir is a prime source for irrigation for more than 8 districts including Theni. As a result, Vaiko led an agitation against the Kerala government.

Split in MDMK[edit | edit source]

With the looming possibility of a vote of confidence in Parliament against the UPA, two party MPs, L. Ganesan and Gingee N. Ramachandran, claimed that they enjoyed the support of the majority of party cadre and decided to pledge support to the UPA government. They later withdrew their claim and joined DMK when it was found that they had forged letters of support of party executives.[3]

Boycott of Assembly Election 2011[edit | edit source]

Due to issues in seat sharing, MDMK quit the ADMK Alliance and boycotted the 2011 Assembly elections of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

Sanchi Protest[edit | edit source]

The MDMK protested the Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa's visit to Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh in September 2012. Vaiko and his party members traveled to Sanchi. People who traveled through roadways were stopped by the police near Gadchiroli. Some party members tried to reach the spot by rail and air but they were detained by police before reaching Sanchi.[4]

MDMK snap ties with NDA[edit | edit source]

The MDMK left the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance in December 2014, accusing the BJP of acting against Tamil interests. This came after heavy criticism of the party from BJP lawmaker Subramanian Swamy.[5]

Formation and Departure from Makkal Nalla Kottani [People's Welfare Front (PWF)][edit | edit source]

As part of the Makkal Nalla Kottani alliance, MDMK (led by Vaiko) participated in the 2016 election campaigning. Leaders released campaign materials such as manifestos and songs to mobilize voters.

Vaiko and Makkal Nalla Kottani leaders spoke publicly about the front as a potential alternative to the traditional major parties; at various points Vaiko claimed that people were disillusioned with AIADMK and DMK rule and expected the front to perform well.

In the 2016 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election, the Makkal Nalla Kottani contested seats across the state, fielding candidates from its constituent parties including MDMK.

However, the Makkal Nalla Kottani failed to make a significant impact in the election results. The major contest was still dominated by the two big regional alliances, and Makkal Nalla Kottani did not win a meaningful share of seats. Independent records show that smaller parties, including Makkal Nalla Kottani partners, were unable to secure victories comparable to the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led or AIADMK alliances.

After the elections, there were reports in late 2016 that MDMK decided to exit the Makkal Nalla Kottani alliance. MDMK general secretary Vaiko publicly announced MDMK’s departure from that coalition amid internal differences and electoral disappointment.[6]

Alliance with DMK[edit | edit source]

MDMK formally quit the Makkal Nalla Kottani on 27 December 2016 due to differences following the poor results of the 2016 polls. It notes that after exiting, MDMK later aligned with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led alliance in subsequent elections.

In December 2017, MDMK decided to support the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in the Radhakrishnan Nagar Assembly constituency by-election — marking its first public cooperation with Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam after a break of over a decade. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam working president M. K. Stalin welcomed MDMK’s support and described it as part of a broader opposition coalition against the then-AIADMK regime.[7][8]

2019 Indian General Elections[edit | edit source]

In the 2019 Indian general election in Tamil Nadu, the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance included several smaller parties such as MDMK, CPI(M), CPI, VCK and others.

As part of that alliance, MDMK was allocated one Lok Sabha seat to contest.

According to Election Commission filings and election data, MDMK fought its 2019 Lok Sabha contest on the DMK’s “Rising Sun” symbol rather than its own independent symbol. Because of this, the Election Commission’s official records count MDMK candidates under the DMK party tally in the final seat-wise results.[9][10]

2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Election[edit | edit source]

In the 2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election, the MDMK contested as an ally of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and used the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's 'Rising Sun' symbol for all its candidates.

The MDMK was allotted 6 seats as part of the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance.

Although party founder Vaiko initially expressed a desire to contest on an independent symbol, he ultimately agreed to use the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's Rising Sun symbol due to "practical necessity".

Constituencies Contested: Sattur, Palladam, Madurai South, Vasudevanallur (Reserved), Madurantakam (Reserved), Ariyalur. The MDMK won 4 of the 6 seats it contested under the Rising Sun symbol.[11][12]

2024 Lok Sabha Elections[edit | edit source]

In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the MDMK made a strategic shift by contesting on its own independent symbol rather than the DMK's 'Rising Sun'. This decision was championed by Durai Vaiko, son of MDMK founder Vaiko, who made his political debut in this election.

Durai Vaiko, MDMK's principal secretary, contested from the Tiruchirappalli (Tiruchi) constituency.

The party initially sought to reclaim its traditional "Top" symbol, but the Election Commission of India refused because the party was contesting only one seat and lacked recognition as a state party.

After a legal challenge in the Madras High Court, the Election Commission of India allotted the "Matchbox" symbol to the MDMK for the 2024 polls.

Durai Vaiko won the Tiruchirappalli seat by a significant margin of 3,13,094 votes. He secured a total of 5,42,213 votes, defeating his closest rival, P. Karuppaiah of the AIADMK. By securing 5.42 lakh votes in Trichy, Durai Vaiko defeated.[13][14] [15]

2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election[edit | edit source]

Ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election, a meeting was held between M. K. Stalin, president of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, and Vaiko, general secretary of the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK), to discuss seat-sharing arrangements.

Following the discussions, it was announced that the MDMK, a constituent of the Secular Progressive Alliance, would contest four constituencies in the election. Of these, the party will contest three constituencies using the DMK’s “Rising Sun” symbol and one constituency using the MDMK’s party symbol.[16][17]

Party flag and symbol[edit | edit source]

Initial Symbol (1994): The MDMK initially contested elections on the "Umbrella" symbol.

The MDMK lost its status as a recognized state party in 2010 due to insufficient vote shares in previous elections. This led to the loss of the "Top" as its reserved symbol.

In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the party tried to reclaim the "Top" via the Madras High Court, but the Election Commission of India refused because the party contested only a single seat. They ultimately used the "Matchbox" symbol for the campaign.[18][19] The election symbol is a match box. The colour of the party flag's top and bottom panel is red and middle panel is black. The party has a weekly journal called Sangoli which carries news and write ups for party workers.[20] In 2024 Parliament Election, the ECI allotted Matchbox with stick symbol for contesting in Trichy.

Lok Sabha[edit | edit source]

Election Performance[edit | edit source]

Lok Sabha Elections
Year Lok Sabha Seats
contested 		Seats won (+/-) in seats % of votes Vote swing Popular vote
1996 11th 24
0 / 39 (0%)
 Template:New 4.50% Template:New 12,22,415
1998 12th 5
3 / 39 (8%)
 Increase 3 6.26% Increase 1.76 16,02,504
1999 13th 5
4 / 39 (10%)
 Increase 1 5.95% Decrease 0.31 16,20,527
2004 14th 4
4 / 39 (10%)
 Steady 5.95% Steady 16,79,870
2009 15th 4
1 / 39 (3%)
 Decrease 3 3.66% Decrease 2.29 11,12,908
2014 16th 7
0 / 39 (0%)
 Decrease 1 3.54% Decrease 0.12 14,17,535
2019 17th 1
1 / 39 (3%)
 Increase 1 1.30% Decrease 2.24 5,63,591
2024 18th 1
1 / 39 (3%)
 Steady 1.28% Decrease 0.02 5,42,213

List of Lok Sabha Members[edit | edit source]

Year Election Member Constituency Remarks
1998 12th Lok Sabha Gingee N. Ramachandran Tindivanam
A. Ganeshamurthi Palani
Vaiko Sivakasi
1999 13th Lok Sabha Gingee N. Ramachandran Tindivanam Re-elected for 2nd term
M. Kannappan Tiruchengode
C. Krishnan Pollachi (SC)
Vaiko Sivakasi Re-elected for 2nd term
2004 14th Lok Sabha Gingee N. Ramachandran Vandavasi Re-elected for 3rd term
C. Krishnan Pollachi (SC) Re-elected for 2nd term
L. Ganesan Tiruchirappalli
A. Ravichandran Sivakasi
2009 15th Lok Sabha A. Ganeshamurthi Erode Re-elected for 2nd term
2019 17th Lok Sabha A. Ganeshamurthi Erode Re-elected for 3rd term
Contested on DMK symbol
2024 18th Lok Sabha Durai Vaiko Tiruchirappalli

List of Rajya Sabha Members[edit | edit source]

Name Position Party Constituency From To Tenure
Vaiko Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha
(4th Term) 		MDMK Tamil Nadu 25 July
2019 		24 July
2025 		5 years, 364 days

Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Election[edit | edit source]

Election Performance[edit | edit source]

Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly
Election Year Election Votes polled Won Change of Seats Alliance Result
1996 11th Assembly 1,569,168
0 / 177
 No Change MDMK+ alliance Lost
2001 12th Assembly 1,304,469
0 / 213
 Decrease213 MDMK+ Lost
2006 13th Assembly 1,971,565
6 / 35
 Increase 6 AIADMK Front Lost
2016 15th Assembly 2,300,775
0 / 29
 Decrease 6 PWF Lost
2021 16th Assembly 4,86,976
4 / 6
 Increase 4 SPA+ Won

List of MLAs elected[edit | edit source]

Incumbent Member(s) of Legislative Assembly[edit | edit source]

Current MLAs
S.No Member Party Role
1. T. Sadhan Tirumalaikumar Party Leader in Assembly, MLA from Vasudevanallur
2. K. Chinnappa MLA from Ariyalur
3. M. Boominathan MLA from Madurai South
4. A. R. R. Raghuraman MLA from Sattur

List of Union Ministers[edit | edit source]

No. Portrait Portfolio Name
(Birth–Death) 		Term in office Constituency
(House) 		Prime Minister
Assumed office Left office Time in office
1 Minister of Non-Conventional Energy Sources
[MoS(I/C)] 		M. Kannappan
(–) 		13 October
1999 		30 December
2003 		4 years, 78 days Tiruchengode
(Lok Sabha) 		Atal Bihari Vajpayee
2 Minister of Textiles
[MoS] 		Gingee N. Ramachandran
(born 1944) 		13 October
1999 		30 September
2000 		353 days Tindivanam
(Lok Sabha)
Minister of Finance
[MoS] 		30 September
2000 		1 July
2002 		1 year, 274 days
Minister of Finance & Company Affairs
[MoS] 		1 July
2002 		24 May
2003 		326 days
Minister of Textiles
[MoS] 		8 September
2003 		30 December
2003 		113 days

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Ogden, Chris (20 June 2019). A Dictionary of Politics and International Relations in India. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-253915-1. Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (Tamil: 'Renaissance Dravidian Progress Federation') A political party. It was established in 1994...
  2. ↑ "List of Political Parties and Election Symbols main Notification Dated 18.01.2013" (PDF). India: Election Commission of India. 2013. Retrieved 9 May 2013.
  3. ↑ "Indian Prez summons PM: Trust vote likely on July 21 or 22, Singh garners enough votes - Asian Tribune". Retrieved 16 July 2016.
  4. ↑ "Despite heavy security, MDMK men sneak in Bhopal ahead of Mahinda Rajapaksa's visit". The Economic Times. PTI. 21 September 2012. Retrieved 24 October 2020.
  5. ↑ "Vaiko's MDMK snaps ties with NDA, hits out at Modi govt". The Times of India. 8 December 2014. Retrieved 16 July 2016.
  6. ↑ "Tamil Nadu's experiments with electoral alliances". The Hindu Centre. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  7. ↑ "After over a decade, MDMK to support DMK". The Economic Times. Retrieved 4 December 2017.
  8. ↑ "மக்கள் நல கூட்டு: வைகோ முடிவை கட்சி தலைவர்கள் கருத்து". Samayam Tamil (in தமிழ்). Retrieved 25 December 2016.
  9. ↑ "After 25 years, Vaiko comes under the rising sun". The Hindu. Retrieved 29 March 2019.
  10. ↑ "MDMK names Ganeshamurthi as candidate for Erode Lok Sabha seat". The Hindu. Retrieved 15 May 2019.
  11. ↑ "MDMK to contest six seats in DMK symbol". The Hindu. Retrieved 4 March 2021.
  12. ↑ "DMK finalises constituencies for MDMK, IUML and three other allies". The News Minute. Retrieved 11 March 2021.
  13. ↑ "LS polls: Durai Vaiko delivers in Trichy what MDMK needed the most". DT Next. Retrieved 30 January 2026.
  14. ↑ "LS polls: MDMK's Durai Vaiko gets match-box symbol to contest in Tiruchy". DT Next. Retrieved 30 January 2026.
  15. ↑ "Tiruchirappalli Election Results 2024: Tamil Nadu – Tiruchirappalli Lok Sabha elections poll result updates". The Times of India.
  16. ↑ "For the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly General Election, a discussion was held between DMK President-Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and MDMK General Secretary Vaiko regarding seat-sharing arrangements". ANI (X). Retrieved 30 January 2026.
  17. ↑ "Tamil Nadu assembly election: MDMK gets four seats in DMK alliance". The Times of India. Retrieved 30 January 2026.
  18. ↑ "No rising sun: MDMK wants its own symbol". The Hindu. Retrieved 24 May 2019.
  19. ↑ "Lok Sabha polls: MDMK loses top symbol because of its decision to contest in only one seat". The Hindu. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
  20. ↑ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2009. Retrieved 5 June 2007.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)

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