Chennai: More than 5,000 members from various political parties joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) under the leadership of former AIADMK minister Benjamin during a membership induction programme held at Sri Vaaru Marriage Hall in Vanagaram, Chennai.
The induction took place in the presence of DMK President and former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Sunday. The event was attended by DMK MLAs, MPs, senior party leaders, district secretaries and office-bearers.
Addressing the gathering, Benjamin said Stalin had consistently raised his voice for the people of Tamil Nadu even while in the Opposition. Thanking the DMK president for welcoming the new members, he described the party as a movement rooted in self-respect and social justice and said he was proud to become part of it.
Calling on party workers to prepare for the next Assembly elections, Stalin said polls could be announced at any time. He urged party cadres to remain fully prepared and work sincerely for the party’s victory.
Describing the induction of over 5,000 people as a “historic moment,” Stalin welcomed the new members and said the DMK had completed 75 years and formed the government in Tamil Nadu six times, playing a key role in the state’s development.
Praising Benjamin, Stalin said the former AIADMK minister had served sincerely for many years and was known for presenting fact-based arguments in the Assembly. He said Benjamin’s decision to join the DMK brought him great happiness.
Stalin claimed that under the DMK government, Tamil Nadu had emerged as India’s second-largest economy and that several welfare schemes and industrial investments had boosted development and employment. He also said leaders from neighbouring states had appreciated Tamil Nadu’s development model.
Criticising the present TVK-led government, Stalin alleged that the state had moved away from its development path, with investors shifting to neighbouring states and law and order deteriorating.
Highlighting flagship welfare initiatives, Stalin said schemes such as the Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme, free bus travel for women, the Pudhumai Penn Scheme and the Tamil Pudhalvan Scheme had become the identity of Tamil Nadu. He also claimed that the breakfast scheme had inspired similar initiatives abroad.
At the end of the programme, Benjamin honoured Stalin with a garland made of senbagapoo (champak flowers) and a silver ceremonial sword.
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