Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president MK Stalin on Friday launched a sharp attack on the BJP and its state ally AIADMK, questioning the credibility of their renewed alliance ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
Speaking at the media Tamil Nadu Summit, Stalin accused the BJP of shielding corruption by aligning with leaders who, according to him, have faced serious allegations and legal scrutiny. Using a metaphor that has increasingly featured in opposition rhetoric, Stalin asked whether the BJP had “washed” the AIADMK in a “washing machine” to cleanse it of corruption charges.
“I ask you (the BJP) … everybody with you is corrupt. Even the Supreme Court punished them (the AIADMK), but now have you washed them in a washing machine?” Stalin said, drawing applause from supporters. He framed the upcoming election as a direct political contest between Tamil Nadu and the NDA, positioning the DMK as the primary force resisting what he described as the BJP’s growing influence in the state.
Stalin’s remarks come at a time when political activity in Tamil Nadu is intensifying, with national and regional parties sharpening their messaging ahead of the April elections. The BJP and AIADMK recently reaffirmed their alliance, a move that has drawn criticism from the DMK, which has repeatedly accused both parties of opportunistic politics.
The DMK chief also reiterated his party’s stance that Tamil Nadu’s interests are best protected by a strong regional government, suggesting that the NDA’s policies do not align with the state’s social justice and federal principles.
The BJP and AIADMK have yet to formally respond to Stalin’s latest comments. However, leaders from both parties have previously dismissed similar allegations, accusing the DMK of corruption and misgovernance in the state.
With campaign rhetoric heating up, Stalin’s “washing machine” attack signals an aggressive phase of political messaging, as parties seek to consolidate voter support and define clear battle lines for what is expected to be a closely watched election in the southern state.
