Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
History of DMK
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) is a major political party in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The party was founded on September 17, 1949, by C.N. Annadurai. The DMK has played a crucial role in the politics of Tamil Nadu for several decades. Here's an overview of the history of the DMK:
Formation and Early Years (1949-1969):
The DMK was formed with the aim of promoting the rights and interests of the Dravidian people, who primarily inhabit the southern part of India.
C.N. Annadurai, popularly known as Anna, was a key figure in the formation of the party. The party advocated for social justice, linguistic rights, and the preservation of Dravidian cultural identity.
Anti-Hindi Agitations:
One of the early major movements led by the DMK was the Anti-Hindi Agitation in the 1960s. The party strongly opposed the imposition of Hindi as the sole official language and demanded the use of Tamil in government communications.
Entry into Electoral Politics (1967):
In the 1967 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections, the DMK led a coalition known as the "United Front" and achieved a historic victory. C.N. Annadurai became the first non-Congress Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
Leadership Transition (1969):
After the demise of Annadurai in 1969, M. Karunanidhi assumed the leadership of the DMK. He went on to become one of the longest-serving Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu.
MGR's Split and AIADMK Formation (1972):
In 1972, a prominent actor and leader within the DMK, M.G. Ramachandran (MGR), had a falling out with the party leadership, leading to his expulsion. Subsequently, MGR formed the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), a rival party to the DMK.
Political Dominance and Welfare Measures:
The DMK and AIADMK have alternated in power in Tamil Nadu over the years. The DMK has implemented various social welfare measures, focusing on education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.
National Politics:
While the DMK primarily operates in Tamil Nadu, it has occasionally participated in national politics as part of coalition governments. The party has been part of both the United Front and the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) at the national level.
Cultural and Social Impact:
The DMK has had a significant impact on Tamil Nadu's cultural and social fabric. It has promoted the idea of social justice, self-respect, and Dravidian identity.
The DMK continues to be a major political force in Tamil Nadu, with a significant presence in state and national politics