With the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections approaching, the DMK government has begun what appears to be a targeted outreach to its traditional vote bank — organizing an ‘awareness programme’ for Christians using public funds.
The banner of the event had outright Christian imagery and verses with a big photo of MK Stalin.
“Ezhumbi Prakasi Missionary Archdiocese” and “Tamil Nadu State Minorities Commission” presents “Awareness Camp for Tamil Nadu Christians” reads the banner.
At a state-level awareness programme for Christian and allegedly other minority communities held in Chennai on 28 October 2025, Tamil Nadu Minorities Commission Chairperson Rev. Fr. S. Joe Arun asserted that Chief Minister MK Stalin is the only leader capable of providing protection to the religious and linguistic minorities in Tamil Nadu.
The event, organized as part of the Commission’s outreach initiative, was attended by bishops, pastors, and clergy from across Tamil Nadu. Commission Vice-Chairman I Irai Anban Kuthus was also present.
In his address, Rev. Arun outlined the role and activities of the Tamil Nadu Minorities Commission, including the district-level consultation meetings currently being conducted. He highlighted the various welfare schemes, protections, and rights extended to minority communities under the present DMK government.
Rev. Arun said the Tamil Nadu government has implemented several welfare measures for religious and linguistic minorities and emphasized that “only the Hon. Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu can provide protection to the religious and linguistic minorities in Tamil Nadu.”
Responding to questions from the clergy, the Commission chief also received petitions, including a request to establish a welfare board for pastors similar to the existing board for preachers. He assured that the Commission would recommend the proposal to the state government.
The timing of this brazen, taxpayer-funded outreach to Christians comes in light of Catholic Christian actor Vijay stepping into politics ahead of the 2026 elections which seems to have rattled the DMK. In a desperate bid to hold onto its Christian vote bank, the so-called ‘secular’ party has weaponized the state machinery to conduct what is essentially a political campaign wrapped in religious garb. By turning a government commission into a pulpit for electoral propaganda, the DMK has once again exposed that for them, appeasement isn’t policy — it’s survival.
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