DMK is known for its consistent stand on inconsistent stance or double-speak or taking a different stand when in opposition and heading the state. Right from opposition to GST, language, Kachcha Theevu and other vital issues, we can look at some of its dual standards during its nearly 4.5 years of rule. With the state assembly elections fast coming, we can expect many more of its coming out with new stands totally different from what it had been following or saying.
GST Restructure
DMK has been opposing GST with poor tax income sharing formula. On tax devolution, DMK’s former RS MP T.K.S. Elangovan said earlier that Tamil Nadu receives only 27 paise in return for every rupee collected as tax, while Uttar Pradesh “What we say is we have a specific charge, when we pay Re 1 as tax, they get Rs 2 in return. Why should they reduce the funds given to the state? They should increase it, or there should be uniformity for all states. They are not doing it.”
#WATCH | Chennai, Tamil Nadu: On PM Narendra Modi's speech in Rameswaram, DMK leader TKS Elangovan says, "What we say is we have a specific charge, when we pay Re 1 as tax, we get only 27 paise, and when UP pays Re 1 as tax, they get Rs 2 in return. Why should they reduce the… pic.twitter.com/YW5daQ2Nzc
— ANI (@ANI) April 7, 2025
Now DMK is opposing GST restructuring saying it would sound the death knell to federalism. TN CM M.K. Stalin while addressing a national seminar on Union-State relations, said:
“All those who truly care about national unity should lend their voices to the cause of state autonomy. Like Tamil Nadu, other states should also constitute similar committees to take forward the demand for rights and federalism.”
Critics point out that while it was an ally in UPA 1 and UPA 2, it did not talk of any of the subjects it raises objections to now. It coolly enjoyed after getting plum portfolios.
On August 29, in a letter addressed to all CMs and party leaders, CM Stalin appealed to them to contribute to the work of the High-Level Committee on Union-State Relations constituted by Tamil Nadu.
He said, “Your active participation will be invaluable in shaping a document that reflects the collective will of all states, and in reinforcing the federal foundations of our nation. This endeavour rises above politics and partisanship. Together, let us renew the federal spirit of our Constitution and bequeath to future generations a union that is both strong and just, both united and truly federal.”
I have written to all State Chief Ministers & leaders of major political parties across India.
A Union is strong only when its States are strong. Tamil Nadu’s High-Level Committee on Union–State Relations has released a Questionnaire to seek the views of all States & UTs.
— M.K.Stalin – தமிழ்நாட்டை தலைகுனிய விடமாட்டேன் (@mkstalin) August 29, 2025
Stalin said that successive constitutional amendments, central legislations and policies had steadily tilted the balance of power in favour of the Union government. He said GST reforms can’t serve the people without protecting the state’s revenues. “We welcome the intent of the reform, but we stressed that any reduction must not erode state revenues that sustain welfare programmes and infrastructure. We urge that the benefits of lower rates directly reach the people. A consensus draft has been framed and it will be placed before the GST Council seeking support from all states and the Union government to safeguard interests and ensure fair outcomes.”
TN Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu held discussions with Karnataka, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Punjab, Telangana and West Bengal.
Meanwhile, CM Stalin on August 29 has called upon his counterparts and leaders to respond to a questionnaire by the TN government-constituted High-Level Committee on Union-State Relations.
Echoing DMK’s mind, Vice-Presidential candidate, ex-SC judge B. Sudershan Reddy said at a meeting on August24 in Chennai: “The States would be reduced to the level of municipalities and made to depend on handouts from whoever is in power. It is a matter of serious concern for all of us. Unless we all think seriously about it, and collectively evolve an appropriate strategy and policy to face the impending difficulty, not only the idea of federalism but the Constitution itself would be in danger. If attempts to restructure the GST and formulate appropriate policies regarding the allocation of financial resources to States succeeded, it would sound the death knell for the very idea of federalism.”
On August 23, Stalin said: “Only strong states can make a strong India, while weak states can’t build a strong nation. In a union such as India, which is diverse with differences, true federalism and state autonomy must fundamentally exist.”
Dy. CM Udhayanidhi Stalin said, “One of the basic ideologies of the DMK is to fight for state autonomy which our former leaders such as former CMs C.N. Annadurai and M. Karunanidhi and former minister Murasoli did in the past.”
Former AIADMK Minister D. Jayakumar criticised the DMK for not being willing to bring petrol, diesel under the GST regime, while at the same time blaming the Centre for pricing higher costs on them. He said:
“The state fears it would incur revenue loss if it agrees to fuel under GST regime. It made a poll promise to this effect (to bring it under GST). Now it has taken a contradictory stand.”
On Language
In May this year in Parliament, the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman lashed out at the DMK over the language row as she accused it of hypocrisy: “I do not want to name him, but the moment I read the passages, anyone with a small, faint familiarity with Tamil will know who I’m speaking about. So when this person speaks about Tamil, and much horribly, there’s no objection. On the contrary, they would keep his photo. They will also say he is our Dravidian icon,” she said while quoting the “elderly person” from various Tamil magazines.
“Your protests are uncivil,” they (DMK) made Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan withdraw his statement. But a man who repeatedly says Tamil is a barbaric language, they keep his photograph in every room, they garland him and worship him and say he is the icon of the Dravidian movement. Look at their hypocrisy.”
Former TN CM and AIADMK leader O. Panneerselvam in 2022 said: “Stalin’s announcements are released in Hindi as well by the state government and the Chief Minister is changing tack when it comes to protecting his interests,” OPS alleged. “Usually, official press releases are issued in Tamil and sometimes in English as well. Claiming Hindi imposition by the Centre, the DMK pretended to champion the cause of Tamil and at the same time utilised Hindi to publicise Stalin.”
He also said, “On the one hand the ruling DMK cried foul claiming Hindi imposition by the Centre and on the other hand used Hindi to publicise its party president and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin in northern states and project him as a national leader. He wants to pass on the mantle to his son in TN.”
They oppose Hindi, but during elections the DMK candidates canvass in Hindi with Hindi banners in prominent North Indian areas. Under its new State Education Policy (which is alleged to be a copy of NEP 2020) it imposes Tamil compulsorily on non-Tamils. “Can’t it come under language imposition?” ask critics.
Katchatheevu issue
The DMK has done nothing to safeguard the interests of Tamil Nadu and its “double standards” on the Katchatheevu issue have been exposed. PM Modi in a post on X said: “Rhetoric aside, DMK has done NOTHING to safeguard Tamil Nadu’s interests. New details emerging on #Katchatheevu have UNMASKED the DMK’s double standards totally… Congress and DMK are family units… Their callousness on Katchatheevu has harmed the interests of our poor fishermen and fisherwomen in particular.”
Rhetoric aside, DMK has done NOTHING to safeguard Tamil Nadu’s interests. New details emerging on #Katchatheevu have UNMASKED the DMK’s double standards totally.
Congress and DMK are family units. They only care that their own sons and daughters rise. They don’t care for anyone…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 1, 2024
North-South
DMK and leaders of its allies have been making statements on the North-South divide, issuing insulting and disparaging comments on UP, Bihar and other citizens: “They are suited to clear sewage lines, toilets, to sell pani poori, poorly read, can only chew pan parak, fit only for menial works etc.”
DMK leaders including Kanimozhi, who wore “I do not know Hindi”, created a ruckus in the airport, went along with M.K. Stalin to Bihar only for him to fill the language gap in Bihar where Hindi is needed, which Stalin is incapable of. Critics allege he can’t even read from a chit in Tamil properly and his proficiency in English leaves much to be desired.
Sterlite Case
In the Sterlite case DMK, while sitting in opposition benches, allegedly incited a stir by joining hands with urban naxals like Makkal Adhikaram, Christian groups allegedly backed by China to gain monopoly in copper industries. It had targeted the then AIADMK government for the shooting of protestors in which 17 were killed.
Now the same DMK wants its reopening, following protests from the local villagers (remember they opposed Sterlite blindly), truck operators and chemical and ancillary industries. Sterlite was singled out while more environmentally damaging industries were left out.
Kulachal Port
When the Centre wanted to implement Kulachal Port in Kanyakumari district, DMK, joining with the Christian lobby, opposed it. In May this year, PM Modi inaugurated the Vizhinjam International Seaport (VIS) in Kerala, marking a significant milestone in India’s maritime infrastructure. This was a loss to TN and a gain to Kerala. Now the TN wants the Centre to release funds to develop Kulachal fishing harbour following demands from fishermen.
Issues on Governor
DMK would oppose the post of Governor while in power but would need him to file complaints against the ruling government or alleged harassment from it. DMK which has been pretending to be the champion of Tamil refused to support C.P. Radhakrishnan for the VP candidate.
Stalin said, “We have a candidate who believes in India’s foundational principles such as secularism, federalism, social justice and unity in diversity,” (Sudershan Reddy who has legally championed human rights and delivered landmark verdicts).
Secularism and Caste Politics
Critics point out that DMK’s secularism and social justice have a different meaning. In the name of secularism, it appeases minorities and oppresses majority Hindus. Wish them on their festivals but keep mum when it comes to Hindu festivals. Obstruct Hindu festivals with restrictions, allow minorities with government grants and full support. Do not allow the MPs, MLAs, cadres from DMK and its allies on equal footing along with them, make them sit in plastic chairs. Do not allow the Dalit Panchayat presidents to hoist national flags on I-D and R-Days. Do not allow Dalit PU presidents to participate in meetings but only make them sign on dotted lines.
Twisting on Development Projects
On August 24, Finance Minister for Environment and Climate, Thangam Thennarasu said the government has advised the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) to withdraw the clearance accorded to Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) for drilling onshore exploratory wells in Ramanathapuram district.
AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palanisamy said, “Whenever the DMK comes to power, such anti-farmer initiatives are implemented citing the move for methane gas exploration in the Cauvery delta region a few years ago. It was under the earlier DMK government that the MoU for the exploration in the Cauvery delta was signed. It was the AIADMK government that declared the delta a protected agriculture zone.”
Responding to DMK leader K.N. Nehru’s remarks about the special protected agriculture zone in the Delta region, then AIADMK Fisheries Minister D. Jayakumar said in 2020 that the opposition (DMK) party was the first to encourage hydrocarbon exploration from 1996. He said that T.R. Baalu, who was then the Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, obtained permission in 2011 for Great Eastern Energy Corporation to explore the Delta region for methane gas for four years. Jayakumar said:
“This was done in the presence of M.K. Stalin during January 2011. A memorandum of understanding was also signed for this purpose. They also said the state government will provide any required assistance to make this project a success.”
Anti-Hindu Approach
It is DMK’s DNA to talk politics at marriage functions and funerals, making denigrating comments and hatred towards Hindus and their gods at gatherings of minorities. In a recent function Stalin called upon the youth to develop the quality of treating everyone equally, without any caste or communal bias: “If TN has to remain a heaven of peace, school students should become ambassadors of equality.”
“It should start from DMK,” says a critic.
NEET Issue
A BJP leader said, “DMK is a different party. Changing different stands to suit its current position is in their DNA. They would welcome SC/HC verdicts when it favours them. They would condemn and make nasty remarks against the judiciary when it goes against them. They would not honour SC’s NEET but would say they want its repeal.”
NEET was brought during the UPA regime in which DMK was an ally.
These are only a few of DMK’s different stands taken to suit present political needs. From Kachchatheevu, NEET, hydrocarbon, farmers’ lands, airport expansion, Sterlite, language, court decisions, language issue, migrant labourers and a host of other issues. It once wanted Separate Statehood. After Nehru threatened them with the sedition act, there were no such demands. Of course, now and again they float test balloons to gauge the mood of the public and the Centre.
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