DMK Youth Wing Revives Grassroots ‘Mandrams’ to Strengthen Cadre Ahead of 2026 TN Polls

Chennai: In a move aimed at rebuilding its cadre base, the DMK Youth Wing has launched an initiative to revive traditional ‘mandrams’ across Tamil Nadu, positioning them as structured neighbourhood level training forums for young party workers ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

The first phase of the programme was rolled out in the western part of the Thousand Lights Assembly constituency in Chennai West district by Youth Wing secretary and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. The plan proposes the formation of youth mandrams in every street with a minimum of 20 members, marking a systematic attempt to institutionalise grassroots political engagement.

Party insiders say the effort is designed to strengthen ideological grounding at a time when mobilisation is increasingly shaped by social media campaigns and digital outreach. By restoring the mandram system, the party is seeking to reinforce its cadre-based organisational culture built on collective learning and structured debate.

Historically, these forums functioned as ideological hubs of the Dravidian movement. Named after figures such as Thiruvalluvar, Periyar, C.N. Annadurai and M. Karunanidhi, they served as local centres for political education where cadres read party literature, discussed social issues and organised community-level programmes.

Under the revived model, activities will include group reading sessions, policy discussions, outreach initiatives and small public meetings to familiarise younger members with the movement’s ideological foundations.

Observers interpret the move as a strategic recalibration in response to changing voter demographics and the emergence of new political players. With sections of young voters seen as less anchored to traditional ideologies, the renewed focus on cadre development signals an attempt to consolidate the party’s organisational strength and sustain Dravidian political discourse among the next generation.