A photo of IUML flags at the DMK rally is falsely shared as Pakistani flags, ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections

Ahead of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections scheduled for 23 April 2026, a photo of M. K. Stalin standing amid several flags has been shared on social media with the claim that it shows Pakistani flags at a Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) rally. This claim has been widely circulated, sparking confusion and speculation. Let's examine the facts to determine the validity of this assertion.

The image in question features M. K. Stalin, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President, surrounded by a group of people holding flags. Social media posts have falsely claimed that these flags represent Pakistan. To verify this, we must first understand the flags in the photograph.

Upon closer inspection, the flags visible in the photo are not the national flags of Pakistan. Instead, they belong to the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a political party in India. The IUML uses a green flag with a crescent and star, which may resemble Pakistan's flag but is distinct in design and symbolism.

The confusion likely arises from the visual similarities between the IUML and Pakistani flags. However, it is crucial to note that the IUML is a legitimate political party in India, with a significant presence in the state of Tamil Nadu. The party has a long history of participating in elections and collaborating with other political groups.

In the context of the Tamil Nadu elections, the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance includes several parties, including the Indian National Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist), and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), among others. These parties campaign together during elections, and their flags are often displayed at rallies and events.

The viral photo, which has been shared widely, captures M. K. Stalin campaigning after filing his nomination papers from the Kolathur constituency ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections in Chennai. The presence of IUML flags at the rally is not unusual, given the alliance between the DMK and IUML.

In recent years, Factly has debunked similar posts that falsely claimed the IUML flag as the Pakistani flag. These instances highlight the prevalence of misinformation and the need for fact-checking in the digital age.

To summarize, the photo of IUML flags at the DMK rally has been falsely shared as Pakistani flags ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections. The flags in question belong to the Indian Union Muslim League, a political party in India, and are distinct from Pakistan's national flags. The confusion stems from the visual resemblance between the two flags, but the context of the rally and the alliance between the DMK and IUML clarify the situation. This incident underscores the importance of verifying information before sharing it, especially during election seasons when misinformation can have significant impacts.