Want to move forward or go backward: DMK poses big question to Gen Z, counters Vijay

Ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections, DMK Youth Wing held a massive Tiruvannamalai rally, addressing Gen Z voters, emphasizing discipline and ideology, and countering actor-politician Vijay’s TVK influence with a strong message of progress and state pride.

Post Published By: Alivia Mukherjee
Updated : 15 December 2025, 1:33 AM IST
google-preferred

Tiruvannamalai: The DMK Youth Wing organized a large-scale conference in Tiruvannamalai, drawing thousands of young supporters, ahead of the 2026 assembly elections in Tamil Nadu. Chief Minister MK Stalin attended as the special guest. The event aimed to showcase DMK’s organizational strength and to counter the growing influence of actor-politician Vijay and his TVK outfit among Gen Z voters.

"Move Forward or Go Backward": DMK’s Core Message

MK Stalin framed the 2026 election as a defining moment for Tamil Nadu. He told the crowd that voters must decide whether the state moves forward or regresses. Criticizing AIADMK and BJP, he said, "The AIADMK, which pushed Tamil Nadu backwards by a decade, will come and ask for votes by acting noble. The BJP, which tends to betray the state, will spread lies and create tension." He urged voters to choose continuity and progress under the Dravida government.

Criticism of Opponents

Deputy Chief Minister and DMK Youth Wing secretary Udhayanidhi Stalin subtly targeted Vijay while directly criticizing AIADMK and BJP. He accused the BJP of trying to expand its influence in Tamil Nadu using central agencies such as the ED, CBI, Income Tax department, and Election Commission. AIADMK was called a "slave to the BJP," with claims it consistently compromised the interests of the people.

MK Stalin expands Rs 1,000 women’s scheme ahead of Tamil Nadu elections

Focus on Youth Discipline and Ideology

Addressing perceptions of unruly youth crowds, Udhayanidhi Stalin highlighted the discipline of DMK supporters. He stated, "Even if an undisciplined crowd numbers one crore, it achieves nothing. Here, the youth are disciplined, ideologically driven, and represent a strength for Tamil Nadu." The party emphasized that its youth support base is organized, ideologically committed, and ready to play a decisive role in the elections.

What SIR and Babri debate mean for Trinamool ahead of Bengal elections?

Tamil Nadu’s Unique Political Landscape

Udhayanidhi Stalin also stressed the state’s distinct political identity, responding to Union Minister Amit Shah’s remarks that the BJP aims to expand in Tamil Nadu after Bihar. He said, "The BJP could succeed in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, or Madhya Pradesh, but Tamil Nadu is unique. The fire of Periyar's ideology is guarding the state." The statement reaffirmed DMK’s confidence in maintaining ideological dominance in the state.

Strategic Positioning Against TVK

With actor Vijay targeting Gen Z voters, DMK sought to directly engage the younger demographic through this rally. The party highlighted a vision of progress, discipline, and ideological commitment, contrasting it with both AIADMK and TVK, and positioned itself as the natural choice for the youth ahead of the 2026 polls.

Location : 
  • Tiruvannamalai

Published : 
  • 15 December 2025, 1:33 AM IST