Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president M K Stalin has issued a significant directive to party functionaries, instructing them to begin celebrating 'Dravida Pongal' from the start of the New Year. He framed this traditional harvest festival as a potent political instrument to showcase the ruling party's accomplishments over the last four and a half years.
A Political Festival and an Attack on Rivals
In a detailed letter addressed to party cadres on Wednesday, Stalin launched a sharp critique against the principal opposition, the AIADMK. He accused the AIADMK of having "surrendered to the BJP government at the Centre." Stalin asserted that in the current political landscape, the DMK is compelled to perform a dual role. "DMK, on one hand, is with the sword, fighting for rights, and, on the other, with the shield, protecting people's rights," he stated, positioning his party as the sole protector of democracy in the state, with alliance parties in support.
Cadres Told to Organise Samathuva Pongal and Sports
Extending his New Year wishes, Stalin invoked the legacy of Dravidian stalwarts—Periyar, C N Annadurai (Anna), and M Karunanidhi (Kalaignar). He urged cadres to follow in their footsteps by celebrating Pongal as 'Dravida Pongal' from January 1st. The objective is to utilize the festival to highlight how the DMK safeguards people's rights, Tamil identity, and social justice.
He provided specific instructions for the celebrations, calling for the organization of 'Samathuva Pongal' events across Tamil Nadu. These events are to transcend caste and religious boundaries. Alongside the traditional festivities, cadres are to arrange cultural programmes, literary events, and a range of sporting competitions for both men and women.
Sporting events such as cricket, football, volleyball, running races, and kho-kho are to be organized at the district level. Teams interested in participating have been asked to register through the dedicated portal, www.dravidapongal.in.
Deputy CM's Focus on the 2026 Electoral Battle
Echoing the political charge, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, in his separate New Year message, framed the upcoming 2026 state assembly election as a critical battle. He emphasized that the election is "not just to protect the rights of people of Tamil Nadu but the state itself." Udhayanidhi called for the defeat of "fascist forces" attempting to disturb the state's communal harmony, as well as those who aid them, a clear reference to the DMK's political adversaries.
This concerted move to brand Pongal with a distinct Dravidian political identity marks a strategic effort by the DMK leadership to consolidate its base and communicate its governance narrative directly to the people, setting the stage for the next electoral contest.
