What significant achievement did the DMK secure in Madras State during the 1967 elections?

Achieving a majority of its own in the state

In Madras State, which is now known as Tamil Nadu, a regional party called the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) achieved power by securing a clear majority. This victory came on the heels of the DMK's leadership in a widespread anti-Hindi agitation by students, protesting against the imposition of Hindi as the official language by the central government. Notably, this marked the first instance where a non-Congress party secured an independent majority in any state.

In the remaining eight states, coalition governments were established, comprising diverse non-Congress parties. A common adage humorously captured the situation: one could travel by train from Delhi to Howrah without traversing a single state governed by the Congress Party. This stark contrast was a remarkable departure for those accustomed to witnessing Congress Party's dominance.