Stalin Warns Palaniswami of BJP's Alleged Conspiracy, Cites Nitish Kumar's Example
In a sharp political attack, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of orchestrating a conspiracy to weaken its regional allies, specifically targeting AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami. Speaking at a function in Madurai, Stalin drew parallels to the recent political developments in Bihar involving Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, suggesting Palaniswami could face a similar fate.
BJP's Alleged Plan to Replace Palaniswami
Stalin asserted that the BJP had pre-selected an alternative candidate to assume the role of AIADMK general secretary if Palaniswami had refused to align with the party. "According to information I received, BJP had chosen another person to become AIADMK's general secretary if Palaniswami had declined to align with BJP. He would have been removed from the post even before the election," Stalin claimed during his address.
He emphasized that Palaniswami should closely observe the political scenario in Bihar, where Nitish Kumar, despite serving as chief minister ten times, is reportedly being sidelined by the BJP. "Reports say Nitish is stepping down as chief minister and is set to become a Rajya Sabha MP. There are reports that a BJP member will replace Nitish as the new chief minister," Stalin stated, warning that "the same will happen to Palaniswami tomorrow."
AIADMK 'Mortgaged' to BJP, Says Stalin
Accusing Palaniswami of compromising the autonomy of the AIADMK, Stalin alleged that the party is now under the complete control of the BJP, similar to the situations with Shiv Sena in Maharashtra and Nitish Kumar in Bihar. "For protecting his own interests, Palaniswami mortgaged AIADMK to BJP," he declared, highlighting what he perceives as a pattern of BJP dominance over regional partners.
Welcoming Panneerselvam into DMK
The event also marked the formal induction of former AIADMK coordinator O Panneerselvam and his supporters into the DMK. Stalin recalled words of appreciation from former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, who referred to Panneerselvam as 'Pachai Tamilan' (hardcore Tamilan) during a 2009 assembly debate on Sri Lankan Tamils. "Panneerselvam is a symbol of loyalty," Stalin remarked, underscoring the significance of his joining the DMK.
In his address, Panneerselvam justified his decision by stating that the AIADMK is no longer the party founded by M G Ramachandran and nurtured by J Jayalalithaa, but has been taken over by a few through shortcuts. "They will continue to face only defeats in their life," he asserted, criticizing the current leadership.
Political Jabs and Election Preparations
Stalin also took a dig at the BJP-led central government for transferring Governor R N Ravi to West Bengal, suggesting that even the BJP anticipates a DMK victory in the upcoming elections, making Ravi's administration of the oath of office unnecessary. Earlier in the day, Stalin had called on Ravi at Lok Bhavan, adding to the political drama.
In a related move, Stalin wrote a letter to his party cadres, accusing the central government of attempting to impose Hindi and undermine Tamil identity. He urged them to gather in large numbers for the DMK's election conference in Siruganur near Trichy on Monday, signaling a robust campaign ahead.
This development highlights the intensifying political tensions in Tamil Nadu, with Stalin positioning the DMK against what he describes as BJP's encroaching influence, while strengthening his own party through strategic inductions like that of Panneerselvam.
