Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK): A Legacy of Dravidian Politics Founded on September 17, 1949, by C.N. Annadurai, the DMK emerged as a breakaway faction from the Dravidar Kazhagam. Its rise marked a significant shift in Tamil Nadu's political landscape. Initially advocating for a separate Dravidastan, the party later moderated its stance, focusing on social justice, Tamil identity, and state autonomy. Under Annadurai's leadership, the DMK achieved a landmark victory in the 1967 state assembly elections, becoming the first non-Congress party to secure a majority in any Indian state. M. Karunanidhi, who succeeded Annadurai, further solidified the DMK's position, serving as Chief Minister for five terms. His tenure, however, was marked by instances of dismissal by the central government. Currently led by M.K. Stalin, who succeeded his father, Karunanidhi, the DMK secured a resounding victory in the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, winning 125 seats. The DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance holds a comfortable majority in the Assembly with 159 out of 234 seats. The party also holds a notable presence in the Lok Sabha, currently the fourth-largest party. The DMK's core ideology centers on Dravidian identity, social justice, and economic development. While the party has achieved considerable electoral success and contributed to Tamil Nadu's development, its history also includes periods of political conflict and controversies. The party's current standing reflects its continued influence in Tamil Nadu's politics, though its future trajectory remains subject to evolving socio-political dynamics.