DMK manifesto 2026: Key promises, alliances, & welfare politics | Manuraj Shunmugasundaram speaks

In this episode of Frontline Conversations, Manuraj Shunmugasundaram, national media spokesperson of the DMK, speaks about the key political narratives shaping the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election. The discussion centres on the DMK’s latest manifesto, the Rs.8,000 coupon scheme debate, and the broader ideological framework of the Dravidian model of governance. It also discusses whether welfare measures should be viewed as “freebies” or as long-term investments in people, particularly in recognising women’s unpaid domestic labour. A major focus of the interview is the evolving political landscape, including the entry of actor Vijay and the emergence of a potential third force. Is Vijay’s political appeal built on sustained credibility or short-term hype? The discussion contrasts this with what the DMK describes as “time-tested governance” under M.K. Stalin. Chapters: 00:41 | Rs.8000 scheme debate   02:26 | Women welfare model   04:14 | DMK manifesto insights   05:46 | Dravidian model explained   06:54 | DMK alliance dynamics   09:27 | Stalin leadership model   10:39 | Opposition power play   13:34 | Tamil Nadu LPG crisis   16:30 | Federalism debate   18:53 | Temple control debate   21:38 | People’s Sanctum book   22:26 | Political personal journey 24:14 | Final takeaways -Perfect for viewers interested in: - Tamil Nadu politics and 2026 Assembly election analysis - DMK manifesto and welfare policy debates - Vijay’s political entry and opposition dynamics - Dravidian model and governance in Tamil Nadu - Federalism and Centre-State relations in India - UPSC polity and current affairs preparation Credits: Host: R.K. Radhakrishnan Editing: Razal Pareed Camera and Production: Kavya Pradeep M and Mridula Vijayarangakumar If you found this discussion insightful, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to Frontline for more in-depth conversations. Subscribe to Frontline: https://frontline.thehindu.com/online-subscription/ Follow us on: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/frontlineindia/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/frontline_india Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/frontline.magazine LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/frontline-magazine-b12921295/ #dmk #TamilNaduElections #MKStalin #TNPolitics #LPGCrisis #FreebiesDebate #Vijaytvk #vijaypolitics #AIADMK #IndianPolitics #Election2026 #Federalism #LPGCrisis #WomenEmpowerment #DMKManifesto #DravidianModel#BreakingPolitics #FrontlineConversations