Resolutions of the
District Secretaries’ Meeting of
Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK)
The District Secretaries’ Meeting of the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam was held under the chairmanship of the Party Presidium Chairman, Auditor A. Arjunraj, on Friday, 23 January 2026 at 10.00 a.m., at the Party Headquarters, “Thaayagam.”
The Party General Secretary Vaiko delivered the keynote address.
The meeting was attended by Treasurer M. Senthiladhiban, Principal Secretary Durai Vaiko, MP, Deputy General Secretaries Senji A.K. Mani, Aaduthurai R. Murugan, T.M. Rajendran, Dr. Rohaiya, and District Party Secretaries.
The following resolutions were unanimously adopted:
Resolution – 1
Since 1986, Party General Secretary Vaiko has undertaken ten long march campaigns, traversing Tamil Nadu on foot to safeguard the people’s livelihoods and reclaim their rights. Announcing his 11th foot march as the “Samathuva Nadai Payanam” (March for Equality), he commenced the march on 2 January 2026 from Tiruchirappalli, walked 180 kilometres over 11 days, and concluded it in Madurai on 12 January 2026.
Even at the age of 82, with unwavering determination, he undertook this march for the advancement of Tamil Nadu. The meeting places on record its heartfelt appreciation and congratulations to Vaiko, the veteran warrior of the Dravidian movement.
The march highlighted the demands that:
- Caste and religious harmony must flourish,
- Hindutva–Sanatan forces must be defeated and Dravidian governance must continue,
- The drug culture must be eradicated.
The meeting expresses its sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Principal Secretary, senior leadership, district secretaries, cadres, volunteers, students’ wing, youth wing, disaster relief teams, party functionaries, and all party members who participated and contributed to the success of the march.
The meeting also thanks Honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thalapathy M.K. Stalin, who flagged off the march in Tiruchirappalli, as well as leaders of allied political parties and various movements who participated in the public meetings held during the march and conveyed their solidarity.
Resolution – 2
The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly session commenced on 20 January 2026. The Governor of Tamil Nadu, R.N. Ravi, refused to read the Governor’s Address prepared and submitted by the State Government, citing the usual pretext that the National Anthem was not played, and walked out of the Assembly.
Under Article 176 of the Constitution of India, the Governor’s Address is mandatorily prepared by the State Government and must be read in full by the Governor. The Constitution does not permit the Governor to insert personal views or delete portions of the prepared address.
Although the Governor had sent a letter to the State Government on 19 January seeking clarifications, and the government had duly responded, Governor R.N. Ravi’s act of abandoning his constitutional duty and disregarding legislative convention and dignity is condemnable.
The Raj Bhavan’s subsequent statement appeared as though it had been issued from a BJP office, levelling baseless allegations against the Tamil Nadu Government.
As noted by Perarignar Anna in 1953, the question arises whether the post of Governor is necessary at all. In states not ruled by the BJP, Governors are being used as instruments by the Union BJP Government to obstruct elected state governments.
Similar constitutional violations have occurred in Kerala and Karnataka. As pointed out by the Chief Minister in the Assembly, MDMK urges that discussions be held with like-minded state parties to consider constitutional amendments, including the abolition of the Governor’s post.
Resolution – 3
Seven fishermen from Mayiladuthurai and Sirkazhi, who went fishing in two fibre boats from Kodiakkarai, Nagapattinam district, were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy in the early hours of 21 January 2026, alleging that they crossed the maritime boundary. Their two boats were also seized, and they are reportedly detained at the Kankesanthurai camp.
The arrest of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy has become a recurring issue. Currently, 90 Tamil Nadu fishermen remain imprisoned in Sri Lanka, and 254 fishing boats have been seized.
The continued inaction of the Union Government has angered the fishing community. MDMK strongly urges the Union Government to immediately secure the release of all detained fishermen and retrieve the confiscated boats.
Resolution – 4
The Union Government has introduced the Indian Higher Education Commission Bill, 2025, proposing to dissolve the UGC, AICTE, and NCTE, and bring all higher education institutions under a single authority—the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI), excluding medical and law colleges.
This bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha on 15 December 2025, threatens institutional autonomy, violates the Concurrent List, and strips state governments of their constitutional authority over higher education.
MDMK condemns this move and calls upon political parties, educationists, students, professors, and democratic forces to launch a united struggle demanding the withdrawal of this dangerous bill.
Resolution – 5
For the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Elections – 2026, the following committee is constituted to draft the MDMK Election Manifesto:
- T.M. Rajendran – Deputy General Secretary
- A. Vandiyathevan – Secretary, Ideological Clarification Wing
- Soori. Nandagopal – Secretary, Legal Wing
- R. Senthilselvan – Audit Committee Member
- Karai Selvaraj – Secretary, Literary Wing
- B.T. Aasaithambi – Secretary, Youth Wing
Head Office
Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK)
“Thaayagam”
Chennai – 8
23.01.2026