'It's NDA Versus Tamil Nadu This Election': MK Stalin Ahead Of Polls

Last Updated:January 30, 2026, 12:45 IST

MK Stalin calls NDA a "betrayal alliance", defends Dravidian model, criticises BJP-AIADMK over funds and metro delays.

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin (Photo: PTI/File)

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday launched a sharp attack on the AIADMK-BJP alliance ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, framing the contest as a direct battle between the state and the NDA.

Speaking at the NDTV media summit, CM Stalin described the partnership as a “betrayal alliance" and accused both parties of corruption, while strongly defending his government’s “Dravidian model" of governance.

“NDA is a betrayal alliance. I have always said it is NDA versus Tamil Nadu in this election," Stalin said, reiterating his long-standing criticism of the BJP-led coalition. He also questioned the Centre’s handling of funds meant for the state, alleging that Tamil Nadu has been denied financial support for key sectors such as education and infrastructure.

Taking aim at the BJP, Stalin asked why long-pending approvals and funds for projects like the Coimbatore and Madurai metro rail had not been cleared. He also raised concerns over delays in education-related funding following Tamil Nadu’s refusal to adopt the Education Policy (NEP), instead opting for a state-specific education framework that continues the two-language policy.

“I ask the BJP, everybody with them is corrupt. Even the Supreme Court had punished (AIADMK), now have you washed them all in the washing machine? 4,000 temples have seen consecration under the DMK government… When will we receive the funds that are pending due to not accepting NEP? When will we get approval for the Coimbatore and Madurai metro projects?" he asked, ANI reported.

Last year, the DMK government brought in a State Education Policy (SEP) for a two-language formula in the state. While MK Stalin has several times hit out at the Centre over metro rail projects in Coimbatore and Madurai, in November 2025, Union Minister Manohar Lal highlighted discrepancies in the projects, targeting Stalin for “politicising" the issue.

Highlighting the achievements of his government, the Chief Minister said the “Dravidian model" has gained national attention, with several states adopting welfare schemes first introduced in Tamil Nadu.

“There are many models in India, but our model is unique. The state has a unique political perspective. Several states are following our schemes, and the Dravidian model shows a path for the entire country. Breakfast scheme for students… school attendance increased, and focus also improved. We are expanding the scheme. The central government also follows this scheme. Growth begins in Tamil Nadu," the CM said.

Tamil Nadu is set to hold Assembly elections later this year. The ruling DMK-Congress alliance will attempt to retain power against the BJP-AIADMK-led NDA, while actor Vijay’s newly launched Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is set to make the contest a three-cornered fight.

News politics 'It's NDA Versus Tamil Nadu This Election': MK Stalin Ahead Of Polls

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