Karunanidhi made a comeback to the Chief Minister’s office following the May 2006 elections. The DMK-led Democratic Progressive Alliance won a solid victory over the AIADMK setting the stage for Karunanidhi’s fifth term as Chief Minister.

In a bid to win the votes of the poor people, Karunanidhi made two promises during his election campaign - 1) The DMK government would provide them with rice at Rs 2 per kilogram; 2) Free color television to every household.