During his recent visit to the Kongu belt, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin passionately discussed the role of Tamil Nadu and other southern states in fueling India’s economic engine, asserting that these states have significantly contributed to the nation’s overall progress while providing financial support to northern states. He highlighted how Tamil Nadu’s “Dravidian Model” of governance, which emphasizes inclusive development, social welfare, and growth-oriented policies, has been instrumental in driving the state’s advancements. According to Stalin, this model is rooted in addressing the needs of all citizens, irrespective of political affiliations, thus earning widespread support. He stated, “The Dravidian Model Government is entwined with the people’s heart no matter if they voted for us or not. That is why people are supporting us and are expecting more from me.”
Stalin praised Tamil Nadu’s achievements in various sectors, positioning the state as a model for development in India. He pointed out that Tamil Nadu has grown to become the second-largest economy in India and is the most urbanized state, implementing policies aligned with global standards like those of the United Nations. By highlighting these metrics, he drew a clear distinction between the progress in Tamil Nadu and in northern states over the last fifty years, underscoring the “Dravidian Model” as a driver of regional growth.
Reflecting on the words of DMK founder CN Annadurai, Stalin said, “Anna used to say that the North is flourishing while the South is declining. But today we have made the South flourish.” He argued that the South, particularly Tamil Nadu, is now in a position to financially support the North, pointing to this as evidence of the efficacy of Southern governance models compared to other regions. Stalin’s comments come at a time when debates on federalism and resource allocation between states have been intensifying, with many southern states voicing concerns about fair treatment and autonomy within the Indian Union.
Chief Minister Stalin also used the event to reinforce the DMK’s growing popularity, noting that support for the party has risen noticeably between the last Assembly and Parliament elections. He expressed optimism for DMK’s prospects in the upcoming 2026 state elections, citing the enthusiastic reception from the public as an indicator of the party’s strong position. Confident in the impact of his administration’s policies, Stalin said, “Noticing the welcome I received, it is pretty sure that DMK will win in 2026.” His remarks reinforced the DMK’s vision of a progressive, self-sufficient Tamil Nadu, emphasizing that the Dravidian ethos of social justice and inclusivity continues to resonate with the people.
Stalin’s speech was also a response to ongoing discussions about resource distribution between states, asserting that the South’s economic strength should translate into a greater voice within the federal structure. In this way, he positioned Tamil Nadu’s growth not just as a regional success story but as a potential model for the entire nation. With these points, Stalin reiterated his government’s commitment to fostering inclusive, sustainable development that prioritizes the welfare of all citizens, reaffirming the DMK’s ideology of governance rooted in equity and self-reliance.
