2026 elections all about Tamil Nadu vs Delhi, says Kanimozhi | Interview

After roaring in Parliament on Friday (April 17) against the Delimitation Bill, DMK deputy general secretary Kanimozhi Karunanidhi is taking the message to the streets of Tamil Nadu in her campaign for the 2026 assembly elections. Arguing that the 2026 Assembly election is all about Tamil Nadu vs Delhi, as her party leader and Chief Minister MK Stalin has stated, Kanimozhi anchors in issues of federal rights and identity in her campaigns.

In an interview with The Federal during her campaign, she points to concerns like delimitation and Hindi imposition as key factors shaping voter sentiment in Tamil Nadu. While downplaying the emergence of TVK leader Vijay, she asserts that he cannot be compared to MGR, who had a deep political grounding and organisational strength before launching his own party.

Addressing speculation around her role within the party and the rise of Udhayanidhi Stalin, Kanimozhi told The Federal that she maintains her space in the party, and the party leadership values her role as she continues to campaign actively across the state.

As part of your election coverage, how has the response been on the ground, especially with your party leader MK Stalin expressing confidence of winning over 200 seats? Where does this confidence come from?

The confidence comes from the people. Our schemes have reached them, and we are proud of our governance. That is the foundation of this optimism.

Do voters feel that the promises made in the manifesto have been fulfilled?

Yes, absolutely. When we speak about our achievements during our campaign, the response is very positive. You can see happiness among people, which reflects that our promises have been delivered.

Also Read: Stalin announces black-flag protest in TN on April 16 over delimitation proposal

This has also built trust that whatever we promise now will be fulfilled. In many places, scores of women expect me to talk about the coupon scheme mentioned in the manifesto.

You were part of the committee that framed the manifesto for the 2026 elections. You had mentioned that the task of framing the manifesto was very challenging. Can you elaborate on that?

Yes, it was a challenge. The government has already reached people extensively, delivering rations, medicines, and education to their homes. So, identifying new schemes was not easy. But we addressed this by directly consulting people, listening to their ideas, and incorporating them into the manifesto.

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DMK leader and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin had delivered almost all the promises he made. So, we had to work hard to frame the manifesto with new schemes.

In past elections, leaders like MGR and Vijayakanth attracted young voters. Political analysts say that when MGR won in 1977 and when Vijayakanth launched his party in 2006, both of them attracted a lot of young voters. Do you think Vijay (TVK) could have a similar impact in this 2026 assembly elections?

MGR cannot be compared to anyone else, he had a strong political background and a deeply connected cadre base. Vijayakanth also had a certain connect, though not at the same level. Both of them had fan club members who were politically aware.

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As for TVK today, it is unclear what the party stands for. I have travelled across the state and have not seen strong grassroots activity. TVK candidates campaigning using holograms of Vijay is interesting to watch, but people would like to see candidates and leaders on the ground.

Do you see TVK as a serious threat to the DMK? TVK leader Vijay has been mentioning in public meetings that 2026 elections is a contest between DMK and TVK alone.

Any party in the field will claim to oppose the DMK to remain relevant. That is part of politics. He wants to promote his party by criticising DMK. Our party has seen many political parties like the TVK. So we are not bothered by these statements.

Your party has allocated 18 seats to women. Do you think this is adequate?

It is an improvement compared to the past, but we still have a long way to go. The Women’s Reservation Bill could ensure better representation in the future. But we strongly oppose the manner in which the BJP tied the women’s reservation bill with delimitation.

There was speculation that you might contest this election. Did you consider it? Opposition parties claim you were denied a ticket. How do you respond?

Some people wanted me to contest, but the party’s decision is paramount. The party is bigger than any individual. The leader’s decision is final and most important.

How well are alliance partners coordinating on the ground? Is there a rift in the alliance, particularly between the DMK and the Congress?

This is a long-standing alliance, and we have worked together in many elections. From what I see, there are no major issues. All our alliance partners are coordinating well and speaking in one voice. There are no differences.

Having closely observed your father Kalaignar Karunanidhi’s campaigns, do you consciously adopt his style?

Not consciously. But I may have imbibed certain aspects from observing him. He was deeply connected with people, and that is something we all learned from him. I do watch his speeches on social media. Many of his talking points are relevant even today. He was connected to the people and could interact with the masses with ease.

Tell us about the Rs 8,000 coupon scheme in the manifesto. How did it come about?

People have different expectations. We wanted the coupons to be used by underprivileged families, and they should not only be able to use the coupon but also choose what they want to buy. Not many families are prepared to invest, to reduce a woman's labour at home.

Also Read: ‘Vijay is not MGR’: VCK leader D Ravikumar calls TVK politics ‘dangerous’

So we wanted to give something which would do that to those women. And there were different suggestions. This is the best way, allowing them to choose what they want. Whatever they choose to reduce their endless hours of work is what we wanted to give.

As a poet, do you miss writing, because you are investing all your time into politics these days?

Yes, I do. I miss it a lot. I hope I can go back. And I think it's not the time, because my father always wrote in spite of his busy schedule. I hope to return to writing when I find the right frame of mind. Earlier, I had worked with singer Bombay Jayashree and produced a literary work on Silappathikaram. I have been approached for another adaptation of Silappathikaram. I might take it up or explore something new.

How relevant are campaign issues like opposition to Hindi imposition and the two-language policy among today’s youth?

Very relevant. Language is deeply tied to identity. Any attempt to impose another language will be resisted. Young people, especially on social media, are responding strongly, even more than expected. This sentiment is visible beyond Tamil Nadu as well.

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We raise our voices whenever union government exams are conducted only in Hindi and English. Because undue advantage goes to students in Hindi-speaking states. Now, looking at Tamil Nadu, other states have also realised the importance of their mother-tongue and fighting for their rights.

Elections are becoming increasingly expensive. Do you think this affects democracy?

Yes, it does. When elections become costly, it restricts participation to the privileged. That is against democratic principles and must change.

Some say you deserve more space within your party. Do you feel threatened by the rise of Udhayanidhi Stalin?

I don’t feel threatened. The work I do and the space I get are determined by the leadership. I campaign across the state with their support. I also share a comfortable relationship with MK Stalin, who is my brother, and the party leadership. I work with full commitment and he values my hard work.