Stalin credits late DMK leader M. Balakrishnan with party’s growth in Tiruchi

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Wednesday (January 28, 2026) said that the contribution of former chairman of the erstwhile Tiruchi municipality, M. Balakrishnan, to the growth of the DMK in the region would be remembered forever.

Speaking at the family wedding of former MLA B. Bharanikumar, Mr. Stalin said that the late Balakrishnan was closely associated with former Chief Ministers C.N. Annadurai, M. Karunanidhi, and DMK veteran Anbil K. Dharmalingam. Balakrishnan shouldered the responsibility of reaching out to the people of the area for the growth of the DMK. When the party performed poorly in a local body election, Balakrishnan had emerged victorious in Tiruchi, securing a large number of votes. He made a mark in the overall development of Tiruchi and the growth of the DMK.

Recollecting his long friendship with two-time Tiruchi East MLA Bharanikumar, son of Balakrishnan, Mr. Stalin said he has been closely associated with him for about 20 years. “We used to visit various parts of the State, during the initial phase of launching the DMK youth wing, along with the late Anbil Poyyamozhi. It was Bharanikumar who drove me around in his personal car to attend party functions in different parts of the State. We toured extensively to spread the ideals of the party. These experiences are still etched in my memory,” Mr. Stalin said. Though it was a hectic time politically, with the State elections around the corner, it was his bond with the family that compelled him to attend the wedding, he added.

Mr. Bharanikumar was continuing his father’s political legacy, and continued to be known for his election work, Mr. Stalin added.

Minister for Municipal Administration K.N. Nehru, Minister for School Education Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, and others spoke.