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Stalin launched a sharp attack on the NDA. He said the NDA was not a “double engine” but a “dabba engine” or an empty vessel.
Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin (Photo: PTI/File)
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed confidence that the DMK would form the government on its own in the 2026 Assembly elections. He said the party would contest the polls in alliance with the Congress amid talk of a rift between the allies. His remarks come as seat-sharing discussions for the elections are yet to begin with the Congress.
Speaking at a news channel event, Stalin, who is seeking a second consecutive term, spoke about the challenges before the DMK, the NDA factor and his equation with Rahul Gandhi.
What Stalin said about Congress?
Dismissing rumours of tension with the Congress, Stalin said he shared a “brotherly attachment” with Rahul Gandhi. However, he did not clarify whether the DMK would share power with the Congress if the alliance returned to power.
“The DMK will form its own government,” Stalin said, adding that the party was confident of making “even greater inroads” than in 2021.
“The DMK-Congress alliance is strong in Tamil Nadu. Will fight the election together. The question of sharing of power in government does not arise now,” he added.
Tamil Nadu polls
In the 2021 Assembly elections, the DMK won 133 out of 234 seats and formed the government on its own. The Congress, which contested as its ally, won 18 out of 25 seats but was not given any ministerial post.
This time, friction has surfaced between the two parties. The Congress has accused the DMK of sidelining it in the state and is demanding a larger share of seats. It has also raised the issue of power sharing if the alliance wins again.
Last month, Rahul Gandhi met DMK MP Kanimozhi. Discussions reportedly included cabinet posts, a larger share of seats and a Rajya Sabha berth. The DMK has announced that formal seat-sharing talks will begin from February 22.
Stalin attacks NDA, calls it ‘dabba engine’
Stalin launched a sharp attack on the NDA. He said the NDA was not a “double engine” but a “dabba engine” or an empty vessel.
Framing the election as another phase of the Aryan-Dravidian battle, Stalin accused the NDA of spreading “falsehoods, hate and communal tension” ahead of the polls.
“The so-called double engine is an empty vessel. It is not a double engine, but a dabba engine,” he said.
Stalin accuses NDA of dividing people
Stalin alleged that the NDA was trying to widen the divide among minorities in the state. He said the people of Tamil Nadu would give the NDA a “great disappointment” for its actions and that such divisive politics had no place in the state.
The remarks come as the BJP is attempting to strengthen its position in Tamil Nadu. The party has brought the Edappadi K Palaniswami-led AIADMK and TTV Dhinakaran’s AMMK into the NDA. The PMK is also part of the alliance.
February 11, 2026, 13:29 IST
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