DMK president and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Monday criticized the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), including AIADMK and BJP, calling their renewed front a "failed alliance" merely given a "cosmetic fresh build-up." Speaking at the ‘Vellum Tamizh Pengal’ women’s conference in Thanjavur, he said the coming Assembly election would be a battle between the "NDA and Tamil Nadu," with the DMK representing the people. Stalin accused the NDA of imposing itself using coercion and alleged pressure from Central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate and Income Tax Department forced parties into the alliance. "With folded hands, they are hoping that the ‘washing machine’ will cleanse them," he remarked. Stalin recalled the NDA’s defeats in the 2019 Lok Sabha and 2021 Assembly polls and said their separate contests in 2024 also ended in rejection. He called the new NDA union "born out of compulsion and blackmail," against genuine AIADMK workers’ wishes. Hitler warned that BJP aims to control Tamil Nadu by installing "puppets" from Delhi and promised a "fitting response." Refuting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent claim about unsafe conditions for women in Tamil Nadu, Stalin said, "Do not spread falsehood about Tamil Nadu while ignoring the situation in BJP-ruled States." He pointed to violence in Manipur and cited that seven Tamil Nadu cities rank in India's top 25 safest cities for women by Avtar Group. Stalin also questioned BJP's “double-engine” governance model, highlighting unrest in the Northeast despite BJP control at both State and Centre. He emphasized the Dravidian movement’s role in fighting caste and gender injustice. Highlighting government welfare schemes for women like Magalir Urimai Thogai and 50% rural reservation, he said, "The government itself is for women," tasking DMK women workers to spread these achievements. DMK deputy general secretary Kanimozhi Karunanidhi accused internal and external forces of trying to capture Tamil Nadu but vowed, "This is Thalapathy M.K. Stalin’s army. They will vote only for him." She also condemned the Governor’s role in the Assembly, demanding an end to the ritual of the Governor reading the policy address and questioned the need for Governors, citing a ₹700 crore yearly expense used to taunt non-BJP states. DMK Youth Wing secretary and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin praised the Dravidian movement’s history of women’s emancipation and resisting Hindi imposition in the delta. He warned against "fascist forces" threatening Tamil Nadu’s future and accused BJP of trying to weaken the MNREGA scheme, with AIADMK’s support. The session underlined DMK’s strong stance against the NDA ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls.