Tamil Nadu Today: Stalin takes responsibility for DMK’s poll defeat

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DMK president M.K. Stalin speaks during the party’s district secretaries’ meeting at ‘Anna Arivalayam’ in Chennai on May 14, 2026 | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

DMK president and former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, addressing the party district secretaries’ meeting at ‘Anna Arivalayam’ in Chennai, said he took responsibility for the defeat of the party’s defeat in the 2026 Assembly elections.

Mr. Stalin said there was a need for introspection and to elicit the opinion of party members at all levels on the reasons for the defeat. “We should listen to their views. I am going to launch a field study on behalf of the party headquarters and present a report. The committee members will tour the State and submit a report within 20 days,” he said .A website is be launched tomorrow for party cadre to express their views on the party’s election defeat.

The Tamil Nadu government, under Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, announced that it needed time to “restructure” the ’Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai’ programme. The monthly grant for women beneficiaries due for the month of May would be credited into their bank accounts soon, an official release stated.

The Tamil Nadu government under Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay announced a 2% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for State government employees and teachers with retrospective effect from January 1, 2026. The decision would cost the exchequer an additional ₹1,230 crore, an official release said.

Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) founder Thol. Thirumavalavan distanced himself from reports of backroom discussions on making him Tamil Nadu’s first Chief Minister from the Scheduled Castes (SCs), saying he was unaware of any internal deliberations within the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and other parties.

His remarks come a day after AIADMK rebel leader C.Ve. Shanmugam alleged that AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami had blocked an opportunity for an SC Chief Minister.