Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin has stepped up the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam’s outreach to young voters amid growing indications that a section of Gen Z and first-time voters are gravitating towards actor-turned-politician Vijay and his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
Recognising the shifting political preferences among under-30 voters, the DMK has begun recalibrating its engagement strategy, combining digital-first messaging with on-ground mobilisation aimed specifically at younger demographics.
As part of this renewed push, Stalin recently held an interaction with sportspersons from Tamil Nadu at Chennai’s Nehru Stadium. The event was positioned as an informal conversation with young achievers rather than a traditional political programme, signalling a deliberate attempt to connect with youth beyond party rhetoric.
The DMK also launched a social media campaign on X using the hashtag #VibeWithMKS, sharing videos of Stalin engaging casually with athletes. The tone, language, and presentation were designed to resonate with Gen Z sensibilities, focusing on themes such as passion, perseverance, and personal growth rather than overt political messaging.
In his post accompanying the video, Stalin highlighted the values of discipline and confidence cultivated through sports, framing the interaction as a dialogue with young champions and inviting broader youth participation.
The increased digital engagement reflects the DMK’s awareness of Vijay’s rising appeal among young and first-time voters, particularly due to his popularity as a film star and his positioning as a fresh political alternative.
Alongside online outreach, the DMK has intensified its grassroots efforts. The party recently organised a large Youth Wing rally in Thiruvannamalai, aimed at energising young cadres and demonstrating the organisational strength of its youth wing. Party leaders see the rally as a counterweight to TVK’s growing influence among younger voters.
With youth emerging as a decisive electoral bloc, the DMK’s twin strategy of digital engagement and mass mobilisation underscores its intent to retain political relevance and loyalty among Gen Z ahead of future elections.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
