The 1962 Lok Sabha election marked the emergence of the DMK as a principal political player in the State, a position that it maintains even today.
Though the Congress did not lose any seats, compared with 1957, it was clear that it had to encounter the rising DMK, whose leaders were known for their oratorical skills. In 1957, when the DMK contested the election, it was not a recognised State party. Yet, it secured 8.7% of the votes and even got two Members of Parliament.
