The DMK came to power for the first time in state elections because-

The correct option is "It led an anti-Hindi agitation against the centre".

Step-by-Step Explanation:

1. Historical Context of the Agitation:
In the mid-1960s, the Official Languages Act of 1963 was scheduled to make Hindi the sole official language of India starting on January 26, 1965. This decision caused widespread anxiety and resentment in non-Hindi speaking states, particularly in Tamil Nadu (then Madras State).

2. Role of the DMK:
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), led by leaders like C. N. Annadurai, championed the cause of preserving Tamil identity and resisting the imposition of Hindi by the Central Government. They organized massive, state-wide anti-Hindi agitations, strikes, and protests in 1965. The protests resonated deeply with students, youth, and the general public in Madras State.

3. Political Impact:
The Congress Party, which was ruling both at the Centre and in Madras State, mishandled the protests, leading to widespread public dissatisfaction. The DMK successfully channeled this popular resentment against the Congress administration.

4. 1967 Assembly Elections:
In the 1967 Madras State Legislative Assembly election, the anti-Hindi agitation served as a major political catalyst. Leveraging the massive public support gained during the protests, the DMK won a historic majority, marking the first time a regional party formed the government on its own strength in an Indian state.