Chennai: M K Stalin, president of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), on Thursday said he would take full responsibility for the party’s defeat in the 23 April Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Addressing district secretaries at Anna Arivalayam, the party headquarters in Chennai, Stalin announced that a committee would be constituted to examine the reasons for the electoral setback and submit its report within 20 days.

He said the DMK secured 59 seats in the election, adding that with the support of allies the total tally rose to 73 seats. He also noted that no party had secured an outright majority, with the state now being governed by the C. Joseph Vijay-led administration, which formed the government with backing from coalition partners including Left parties, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML).

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Stalin also took a swipe at the opposition over post-poll practices, contrasting DMK’s approach with rival parties.

“I do not want to blame anyone for our inability to return to power. As the leader of the party, I take responsibility for this defeat. When I can take pride in victory, there is nothing wrong in taking responsibility for failure rather than blaming others. That is only fair,” Stalin said.

He added, “That is why, unlike other parties, we did not lodge our MLAs in resorts and star hotels out of fear, but were brave enough to face defeat.”

Referring to the floor test in the Assembly, Stalin said the ruling party had secured 144 votes despite not having an outright majority after the election.

He also commented on the AIADMK’s internal situation, pointing to the voting behaviour of its MLAs during the confidence motion moved by CM Vijay, and said the evolving political scenario in the state required careful handling.

“There is no need to explain how the AIADMK will behave. In this situation, it is impossible to predict what will happen next. Therefore, we must act properly and efficiently in the Assembly,” he said.