In a strong rebuttal to the ruling DMK, Bharatiya Janata Party's Tamil Nadu president, Nainar Nagenthran, stated that his party holds no fear of the late Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai, popularly known as Anna. Instead, he asserted that the BJP praises and glorifies the Dravidian stalwart just like others. Nagenthran made these remarks on Saturday in Coimbatore while addressing questions from reporters.
On Muted Dialogues in Parasakthi and Censor Board's Role
The BJP leader was responding to queries regarding the reported muting of certain dialogues referencing Anna in the classic Tamil film Parasakthi, as directed by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). This issue was recently highlighted by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who accused the central government of using agencies like the Income Tax Department, the Enforcement Directorate, and the Censor Board to threaten political opponents.
Countering Stalin's allegations, Nagenthran posed a series of pointed questions. "Doesn't the chief minister know about the release of the film Parasakthi? How did the censor board release this film? Whose film is Parasakthi? How was this film released?" he asked. He firmly defended the CBFC, stating that "the censor board acts according to its rules."
It is notable that Parasakthi is distributed by Red Giant Movies, a company founded by Stalin's son and state minister, Udhayanidhi Stalin. The CEO of the company is Udhayanidhi's son, Inban.
NDA's Roadmap for Tamil Nadu and Cabinet Share
Shifting focus to the upcoming political landscape, Nagenthran expressed strong confidence in the National Democratic Alliance's prospects in Tamil Nadu. He declared that the NDA would form the next government in the state, with AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) assuming the role of chief minister.
On the contentious issue of power-sharing within the alliance, Nagenthran adopted a conciliatory tone. He mentioned that the number of seats and ministerial positions for the BJP would be decided through discussions. "We are not stressing anyone for a share in the cabinet," he clarified, indicating a flexible approach within the coalition.
Growing Alliance and Temple Visit
Nagenthran also pointed to the recent induction of the PMK faction led by Anbumani Ramadoss into the NDA fold as a sign of the alliance's growing strength. "Parties started to join the NDA," he noted, suggesting a consolidating opposition front in the state.
Earlier on Saturday, Nagenthran, along with the party's national co-incharge for Tamil Nadu, P. Sudhakar Reddy, and MLA Vanathi Srinivasan, attended a 'shanthi puja' (peace ritual) at the Sangameswarar Temple in Kottaimedu, Coimbatore.
The BJP state president's comments mark a significant moment in Tamil Nadu's political discourse, directly challenging the DMK's narrative on cultural issues and positioning the NDA as a viable alternative for the state's future governance.
