The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu has significantly intensified its engagement with the Christian community in the state. Chief Minister M K Stalin, his son and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, along with several cabinet ministers, have been actively participating in Christmas celebrations across various districts, marking a notable increase from previous years.
A Strategic Shift in Minority Engagement
This heightened outreach comes alongside concrete administrative actions aimed at addressing long-standing concerns of minority communities. In a significant move, the state government recently broke a deadlock concerning faculty appointments in minority-run educational institutions. The resolution allowed these institutions to form their own selection committees, which led to the approval of over 350 appointments, including for principal posts, benefiting 34 Christian minority institutions.
In another symbolic gesture viewed as part of this outreach, the foundation stone was laid for a memorial dedicated to Bartholomäus Ziegenbalg, the 17th-century Christian missionary credited with translating the Bible into Tamil. The memorial is being built at Tharangambadi near Mayiladuthurai.
Beyond Seasonal Greetings: A Sustained Campaign
Unlike in past years when the top leadership attended only one or two Christmas programmes, the engagement this season has been extensive. Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin has been participating in multiple events across Tamil Nadu since last week. Ministers have also been directed to attend Christmas functions in their respective regions. For instance, School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi attended two such programmes in Trichy.
While political observers attribute this amplified activity to the entry of popular actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay into electoral politics, DMK leaders firmly deny any election-driven motive. DMK organisational secretary R S Bharathi stated that more programmes were organised by the minority communities themselves this year. He explained that while it is usual for Stalin and Udhayanidhi to attend such events together, this time their participation was separate due to the increased number of events.
DMK Positions Itself as the Safeguard for Minorities
Bharathi further emphasized the party's standing, saying, "Minorities are wary of the BJP's attitude towards them, and they see DMK as the safest option, which is why they extend support during elections." This sentiment was echoed by DMK MLA from Trichy East, Inigo Irudhayaraj, who is also the founder of Christhuva Nallenna Iyakkam. Dismissing speculation about a "Vijay factor" swaying minority votes, Irudhayaraj asserted that minorities would continue to support the DMK. "There is a wrong perception that minorities will vote for Vijay. They will support the party that has worked for them and stood by them during difficult times," he told TOI.
The DMK's concerted effort, combining high-profile community engagement with substantive policy resolutions, underscores a clear political strategy to consolidate its support base among Tamil Nadu's Christian community ahead of future electoral battles.
