The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has reportedly begun organising a series of “Arputha Peruvizha” (Miracle Festivals) across Tamil Nadu as part of an effort to retain Christian support ahead of the next election cycle. The move follows internal assessments that a section of minority voters, traditionally aligned with the DMK–Congress alliance, may be drifting towards actor Vijay’s recently launched party, Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
Christians and Muslims have historically backed the DMK-led alliance in the state. Their support played a significant role in the coalition’s sweep of 159 constituencies during the 2021 Assembly elections. However, officials said intelligence inputs submitted to the government after Vijay’s recent campaign in Nagapattinam, which drew heavy crowds, indicated a possible shift in Christian voting preferences. Women supporters at the event were seen carrying placards featuring both Jesus and Vijay, suggesting TVK’s outreach to the community.
In response, the DMK has reportedly rolled out Christmas-season campaigns aimed at reinforcing its hold over Christian voters. The first “Arputha Peruvizha” was held in Udhagamandalam (Ooty) under the Coimbatore zone, reportedly backed by former minister Senthil Balaji. Around 90,000 attendees from the Nilgiris and Coimbatore districts are said to have taken part in the gathering, which featured special prayers led by prominent CSI pastors. The event was organised by George, the DMK’s Ooty city secretary and district planning committee member.
Buoyed by the turnout, party leaders have approved similar programmes to be conducted across all eight DMK zones – north, south, east, and west – through the Christmas period. According to party insiders, the DMK intends to work closely with influential Christian clergy to consolidate support and prevent any erosion of its traditional minority vote base.
Apart from this, M.K. Stalin met members of the Tamil Nadu Bishops’ Council (TNBC) at the Secretariat, where the delegation led by Archbishop Dr. George Anthonysamy submitted a memorandum outlining key concerns of the Christian community. The meeting, facilitated by Rev. Dr. Vincent Chinnadurai and attended by senior bishops, clergy, and state officials, highlighted issues such as exemptions for minority-aided schools under Section 19 of the Private Schools Regulation Act, extending welfare schemes like free textbooks and laptops to students in minority institutions, approval and staff fixation for English-medium sections in aided schools, political reservation for Dalit Christians, and MBC status for Christian Vanniyars. The Bishops appreciated the government’s commitment to social justice and minority welfare, while the Chief Minister assured full support and praised the Church’s contributions to education, healthcare, and social development.
(Source: Dinamalar, Catholic Connect)
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