In a fiery address at Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin launched a scathing attack on the NDA–AIADMK combine, labeling it a "blackmail alliance" allegedly forged through coercion by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Speaking at the Vellum Tamil Pengal women's conference organized by the DMK in Sengipatti near Thanjavur, Stalin asserted that the people of Tamil Nadu would deliver a befitting lesson to this front in the upcoming assembly election.
Contest Between NDA and Tamil Nadu, Not DMK Alliance
Stalin emphasized that the upcoming election is not merely a contest between the NDA and the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance. He declared, "The real contest is between the NDA and Tamil Nadu," adding that "Tamil Nadu means the DMK, which safeguards the rights of Tamil people." This statement underscores his party's positioning as the sole protector of the state's interests against what he perceives as external political forces.
AIADMK's Rejection and BJP's Exclusion
The Chief Minister recalled that the people of Tamil Nadu had previously rejected the AIADMK when it functioned as a proxy for the BJP. He warned, "When the BJP comes directly, Tamil Nadu will not even allow it to cross the state's borders," highlighting the state's historical resistance to the national party's influence. Stalin alleged that the NDA–AIADMK front was stitched together against the wishes of AIADMK cadres, with every constituent facing cases from agencies like the CBI, IT department, or ED, and being trapped by the BJP.
Allegations Against AIADMK Leadership
Stalin specifically targeted AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, accusing him of joining the alliance out of fear of legal cases and for selfish political reasons. He pointed out that the same front had been defeated by the DMK alliance in the 2019 parliamentary and 2021 assembly elections, mocking their recent regrouping as "stitching together broken pieces" and projecting it as a new alliance after dropping it as "waste luggage" in 2024 only to take it back later.
Defending Tamil Nadu's Record on Women's Safety
Hitting out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for alleging that women were unsafe in Tamil Nadu, Stalin said he had raised several questions which the Prime Minister failed to answer. Instead of responding, Stalin claimed, Modi spread falsehoods during his recent visit. The Chief Minister defended Tamil Nadu's record, stating, "Tamil Nadu is the safest state for women and has the highest number of working women," and questioned Modi's silence on the violence in Manipur.
Confidence in Women and Youth Support
Expressing trust in the women and youth of Tamil Nadu, Stalin expressed confidence in their support in the forthcoming election. This appeal to key demographic groups reflects the DMK's strategy to mobilize voters around issues of safety and empowerment.
Deputy CM and DMK Leaders Join the Attack
Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin also attacked the Prime Minister, alleging that crimes against women were higher in BJP-ruled states such as Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. He asserted, "Fascists are dreaming of entering Tamil Nadu somehow. Any number of fascists may come, but they cannot touch the DMK," reinforcing the party's stance against what they term as fascist ideologies.
DMK Women's Wing Criticizes BJP Narrative
DMK women's wing secretary Kanimozhi added to the criticism, stating that the BJP's "double engine" narrative would not work in Tamil Nadu, predicting it would only be a "faulty and dysfunctional engine." Referring to the AIADMK's Kulavilakku financial assistance scheme, she assured women that the DMK's Kalaignar Mahalir Urimai Thogai scheme would come without fail, contrasting it with what she implied were unfulfilled promises from the opposition.
Overall, Stalin's speech and the subsequent comments from DMK leaders paint a picture of a confident party ready to defend Tamil Nadu's autonomy and social progress against what they describe as a coerced and ineffective opposition alliance.
