NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party’s Tamil Nadu unit on Friday released a "report card" targeting the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government, alleging that it has fulfilled only 150 of the 505 promises made in its election manifesto. This assertion raises questions about the DMK's governance as political realignments heat up ahead of the crucial 2026 Assembly polls.

In a post on X, the BJP claimed that official government data corroborates their stance, indicating that the DMK administration has struggled to deliver across essential sectors such as agriculture, law and order, and women's safety. State BJP President Nainar Nagendran characterized the current administration as an “ALLFAIL government,” accusing it of misleading the public with its "Dravidian Model" claims. "This report card presents the real situation," Nagendran stated, emphasizing the need for transparency to the electorate.

While the DMK has yet to respond to the BJP's allegations, this strategic criticism aligns with the recent decision of the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) to formally join the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance. The DMDK, founded by late actor-turned-politician 'Captain' Vijayakanth, finalized this alliance during a meeting at DMK headquarters. In contrast, BJP leaders condemned the alliance, suggesting it contradicts Vijayakanth's historical opposition to the DMK and prioritizes self-serving political interests.

BJP spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy remarked that this decision undermines Vijayakanth's legacy, suggesting that the DMDK's shift is driven by a hunger for power rather than a commitment to public service. He maintained that the National Democratic Alliance remains robust, claiming a significant undercurrent of anti-DMK sentiment persists in Tamil Nadu.

With the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections set for the first half of 2026, this report card could influence voters as the political landscape evolves. In the 2021 elections, the DMK won 143 seats, but the new alliance with DMDK is perceived as a strategic maneuver to bolster support among Vijayakanth loyalists, highlighting the competitive nature of the approaching electoral challenge.