Chennai, 17 September (H.S.): The DMK transformed politics from an arena dominated by privileged sections into a powerful instrument in the hands of ordinary people, party youth wing secretary Udhayanidhi Stalin said on Thursday as the organisation entered its 78th year.

Marking the party's foundation anniversary in a post on X, Udhayanidhi said the DMK had consistently worked to secure social justice, protect State rights, empower women and promote industrial development.

He recalled that C.N. Annadurai founded the party alongside a group of young leaders, including M. Karunanidhi, during a rain-soaked gathering in Chennai. The movement had helped Tamil society achieve remarkable progress, whether it was in government or in the Opposition, he said.

Udhayanidhi highlighted the DMK's role in securing the renaming of Madras State as Tamil Nadu and campaigning for greater autonomy for States. He said these initiatives had helped shape the State's political and social landscape.

The DMK was founded on September 17, 1949, following Annadurai's departure from the Dravidar Kazhagam headed by social reformer Periyar E.V. Ramasamy. Its founding meeting was held at Robinson Park in Royapuram amid heavy rain, and Annadurai became its first general secretary.

Unlike the Dravidar Kazhagam, which largely concentrated on social reform and stayed away from electoral politics, the DMK decided to contest elections and use legislative power to advance its objectives.

The party first formed the Tamil Nadu government in 1967 under Annadurai, ending Congress dominance in the State. Following Annadurai's death, Karunanidhi led the organisation for nearly five decades. It is now headed by M.K. Stalin.

Udhayanidhi said the party continued to advance strongly under Stalin's leadership despite repression, political crises and the emergence of new opponents.

Describing black and red as more than merely the colours of the DMK flag, he said they represented the lives and identity of party workers. He urged cadres to work tirelessly as the organisation moves towards its centenary and wished it a long and enduring future.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman