Tamil Nadu’s outgoing chief minister M. K. Stalin has dismissed speculation about a possible alliance between the DMK and AIADMK after the assembly election results. Speaking to The Times of India, Stalin said his party was prepared to allow TVK chief C. Joseph Vijay the opportunity to form the next government in the state.

Stalin said he would “watch without disturbing for six months,” signalling that the DMK would stay away from any immediate political intervention.

Stalin asks new government to continue welfare schemes

The outgoing chief minister indicated that the DMK did not want Tamil Nadu to face political instability, constitutional uncertainty, or another election soon after the current results.

At the same time, he said he expected the new government to continue the welfare programmes introduced by the DMK administration while also trying to fulfil the promises made by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in its election manifesto.

“The new govt should continue with the free breakfast scheme for schoolchildren," Stalin said while speaking about the schemes he considers most important.

He also stressed the continuation of the “Kalaignar magalir urimai thogai” scheme, which provides Rs 1,000 every month to women heads of households.

“And ‘Kalaignar magalir urimai thogai’ (Rs 1,000 monthly allowance to women heads of households)," Stalin said.

Stalin questions TVK’s poll promises

While commenting on Vijay’s promise to provide Rs 2,500 to women beneficiaries, Stalin said the commitment would be difficult to sustain financially. “Give them at least Rs 1,000 as we did," he said.

The DMK president also defended his government’s performance over the last five years. He claimed that the DMK had fulfilled nearly 90 percent of the promises made in its 2021 election manifesto.

However, he admitted that some commitments could not be implemented because they depended on the central government. Stalin specifically referred to the party’s promise to scrap the NEET examination system.

“In this election, too, we promised only those things we could deliver. I don’t think TVK will be able to fulfil its promises (referring to six free LPG cylinders a year to each family of ration card holders)," Stalin said.

He added, “Senjaal magizhchi (we will be happy if they do)."

TVK emerges as largest party but falls short

The Tamil Nadu assembly election results produced a major political shift, with TVK emerging as the single-largest party in the state assembly. TVK won 108 seats but remained 10 seats short of the majority mark needed to form the government on its own.

After receiving support from the Congress alliance, the party’s strength increased by five seats. However, it still required another five MLAs to secure a majority. TVK has also reportedly approached the CPI and VCK seeking additional support for government formation.

Alliance rumours intensified after governor’s concerns

Political speculation increased after Rajendra Arlekar reportedly expressed discomfort over TVK’s numbers. Questions also emerged over whether Vijay would be able to take oath as chief minister. The rumours grew stronger after All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam reportedly shifted some of its MLAs to a resort in Puducherry.

However, Stalin’s latest remarks have now largely ended speculation about any possible understanding between the DMK and AIADMK.

Final seat tally

The DMK secured 59 seats in the election, while AIADMK won 47 seats. Other parties recorded smaller numbers. PMK won four seats, IUML secured two seats, and both CPI and CPI(M) won two seats each. The BJP, DMDK, and AMMK managed to win one seat each.