DMK president Stalin takes responsibility for party’s defeat in Tamil Nadu Assembly election

DMK president and former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, on Thursday (May 14, 2026), said he took responsibility for the defeat of the party in the 2026 Assembly elections.

“One is blaming another and they are pointing an accusing finger at someone else. There will be no end if we keep blaming one another. When I take pride in victory, I should also take responsibility for defeat. There is nothing wrong in it. It is only fair,” he said addressing the DMK district secretaries’ meeting at the party headquarters ‘Anna Arivalayam’ in Chennai.

While underscoring the importance of district secretaries, he said it should not become a norm that only district secretaries were important. “Everyone is important. A building stands supported by all its pillars. If someone feels that they cannot function up to expectations, they can certainly leave,” said Mr. Stalin.

‘A tsunami has wreaked havoc’

He said what had happened in the election was a new and attractive “magic tsunami”. By tsunami, I do not mean achievement or adventure. I only mean that it has caused great damage. It has damaged the interests of Tamil Nadu,” he said while referring to the victory of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.

He said district secretaries should think about ways to rescue people from the tsunami.

DMK president M.K. Stalin speaks during the party’s district secretaries’ meeting at ‘Anna Arivalayam’ in Chennai on May 14, 2026
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“Where is the problem? It is important to introspect why there is a lapse. We have to study it. Each constituency has its own set of problems. It is just an electoral current and does not mean we cannot recover. We have to change our activities with a little extra care. More importantly, we should work in unity,” he said.

Committee to study poll defeat, submit report

Mr. Stalin said there was a need for introspection and to elicit the opinion of party members at all levels on the reasons for the defeat. “We should listen to their views. I am going to launch a field study on behalf of the party headquarters and present a report. The committee members will tour the State and submit a report within 20 days,” he said.

Mr. Stalin said a website would be launched on Friday (May 15) for party cadre to express their views on the party’s election defeat.

“What do you think is the reason for the party’s defeat? What sort of changes do you expect from the party high command? I will take action after receiving their opinions. I am planning to make drastic changes in the organisational structure of the party based on the views of party cadres and people who have concern for us,” he said.

According to him, the sun would never set and would rise again. “Nothing moves without the sun. It is not only the rule of nature, but also the rule of Tamil Nadu politics.”

Mr. Stalin said that while no party was able to secure a majority, even TVK could form the government only with the support of parties, including those who were part of the DMK front. “We were not able to secure a majority. But we have polled substantial votes,” he said.

Mr. Stalin said many people had been sharing their views on social media and lamenting that they had not expected TVK to win, as they, because of their votes, were confident that the DMK would emerge victorious.