"2026 probably will be the end of DMK and dynastic politics": Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai on next assembly polls

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], December 1 (ANI): Calling the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam a "dynastic oriented party," Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai on Sunday said that 2026 assembly polls would probably be the end of DMK and its dynastic politics in the state.
Annamalai also criticised Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin's fast track promotion from MLA to minister to now as Deputy Chief Minister of the state.
"Mr Udhayanidhi Stalin wanted to come into politics. We are telling that this is an era of new family member coming in, probably the third generation to continue. They said no, no, he'll be an MLA, then he became a minister, then he fast track as Deputy Chief Minister. Now Tamil Nadu politics is losing its merit. New people are not willing to enter and DMK is a prime example because you want to revolve around the same set of people and now Udhayanidhi Stalin coming up, probably Raja coming up, all sets of sons and daughters racing up. It clearly shows that it's not a very democratic model and no model which is democratic and it will break eventually. And I'm very, very sure Udhayanidhi in entering would be a proof that DMK is a dynastic oriented party. It refuses to listen to other people and 2026 probably will be the end of DMK, will be the end of dynastic. We have to wait and watch," Annamalai told reporters.
When asked about actor Vijay's political debut, he said that Tamil Nadu politics is entering a new era because 2026 elections are those elections where one big party won't come into politics and it will be a "coalition era."
Annamalai said, "We have been saying even before Actor Vijay entered politics that we welcome any new person entering politics. He is a very famous actor. A person who is at the top of his game and wants to enter politics, there is nothing wrong...This is a new era in Tamil Nadu politics because 2026 is not going to be one big party coming to power which has happened in Tamil Nadu for a long time. It will be a coalition era. That is what we have been saying for a long time. That is what Vijay is also saying. At the same time, we are also seeing the weakening of the Dravidian majors now..."
Hitting out further, the state's BJP President said that DMK politics is full of corrupt people.
He said, "Two parties in India, AAP and DMK, which rewards the corrupt people. Consistently we are seeing right up to former Chief minister, the party's founder minister Arvind Kejriwal, continuously, we are seeing how they come out despite the court at multiple occasions during the bail hearing giving a verdict that prime facie the case is established only after the chargesheet is filed. Most of them seem to come out. The court has given the permission because they can't temper with evidence. After coming out they're celebrated like Gandhians."
He further lashed out at the DMK for celebrating bail of Tamil Nadu minister Senthil Balaji, saying "DMK celebrated as if new Gandhi has emerged in India."
"The same approach DMK is taking now. Mr Senthil Balaji who has been denied bail multiple occasions and the court has come consistently very strong on them, consistently the court has struck prima facie, the case is established and now the court has given them bail simply because the chargesheet is fine and now DMK celebrating as if new Gandhi has emerged in India, allocating him the same portfolio that only shows to what level the Dravidian politics especially at DMK politics is full of corrupt people. In coming months I'm very sure we will continue to talk about it. People will also in 2026 take this as a very, very big message and probably this will be one of their biggest voting behaviour," he added.
Earlier, Annamalai returned to India almost after 4 months, completing his higher studies in abroad. He received a rousing welcome by the BJP cadres on his return from the United Kingdom after pursuing a three-month course in London. (ANI)