DMK deputy general secretary, Kanimozhi Karunanidhi believes that the assembly election 2026 goes beyond routine politics – it’s about protecting Tamil Nadu’s identity and rights. “NCRB data clearly shows Tamil Nadu is safer than many BJP-ruled states,” she says in an interview. Excerpts:Why has DMK framed this election as a contest between the Delhi model and the Dravidian model?This election goes beyond routine politics; it is about protecting Tamil Nadu’s identity and rights. The chief minister has framed it as a larger ideological contest, highlighting concerns over centralisation and linguistic imposition by the BJP-led Union govt. The Dravidian model stands for federalism, linguistic diversity, and social justice, offering a clear alternative path.Opposition slams DMK govt over law and order, especially in relation to crimes against women.The opposition’s narrative deliberately misrepresents increased reporting as a failure, when in truth, it reflects growing trust in DMK govt’s justice system and a willingness among women to come forward.NCRB data clearly shows Tamil Nadu is safer than many BJP-ruled states. According to the latest 2023 figures, crimes against women in Tamil Nadu stand at 8,943, much lower than Uttar Pradesh (66,381), Maharashtra (47,101) and Bihar (22,962). Tamil Nadu is also leading in mainstreaming women in law enforcement, with about 43% of police stations headed by women officers. Initiatives such as the Kavalan SOS app and the Chennai safe city project have strengthened real-time response and surveillance. Combined with fast-track special courts and higher charge-sheeting rates, our approach to women’s safety is institutional, proactive and comprehensive.AIADMK leadership has raised the 2G spectrum case and corruption allegations against you. How do you respond?The fact that AIADMK has to recycle the 2G case, which ended in a definitive, judicially mandated acquittal, exposes their complete lack of understanding of contemporary electoral issues. Edappadi Palaniswami has said that if I speak against them, I will be sent to jail. This is an open threat. Everyone knows it was a false case against me. I was not even a director, only a shareholder at the time. And now, I am not even a shareholder. It is hypocritical, especially coming from leaders such as Palaniswami, who are currently facing intense investigative probes over massive irregularities and corruption during their tenure.Critics say parties rely heavily on freebies at a time when the state’s finances are under strain.I reject the derogatory label of “freebies”. As prominent global economists emphasise, injecting liquidity directly into the hands of the working class is a proven economic stimulus. Schemes such as the `2,000 monthly assistance for women and the newly introduced `8,000 ‘Illatharasi’ coupons increase localised purchasing power and relieve uncompensated domestic labour. These are carefully calibrated social investments that drive the state’s inclusive economic engine.There were reports that you were interested in contesting the assembly election from Thoothukudi.My role, whether it continues in Parliament standing up for state rights or shifts to the state assembly, is a decision that rests with our party president.Election campaigns have become increasingly personal in tone.When opposition parties lack a vision or a credible governance record, they inevitably resort to personal attacks. In stark contrast, DMK focuses on participatory governance. For this election, we engaged directly with people and also gathered suggestions for our manifesto through digital platforms using AI, receiving over 80,000 inputs. We believe in discussing policies that benefit the people, not indulging in unnecessary personal criticism.How do you see the issue of poor seat allocation to women by political parties?While DMK has fielded 19 women candidates in this election, I am the first to acknowledge that our journey is far from over. As I argued passionately during the Women’s Reservation Bill debate, women do not want to be worshipped or put on pedestals; we demand absolute equality and political power. DMK pioneered local body reservations for women, and we are committed to actively dismantling the systemic barriers until true parity is reflected in legislative assemblies.How do you assess Vijay’s TVK in the 2026 election?One cannot simply step into this battlefield as an ideologically unanchored and “discover” politics at the expense of the state’s future. Tamil Nadu’s people are discerning.
