Chennai: In a strongly worded critique, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday, accusing the saffron party of deliberately attempting to stir communal violence within the state. The chief minister made these remarks in a letter addressed to DMK cadres, commemorating the death anniversary of former Chief Minister C N Annadurai.
Allegations of Communal Provocation Ahead of Elections
Stalin asserted that the BJP is focused on triggering religious unrest with an eye on the upcoming assembly elections. He emphasized that in a land where eradicating poverty should be the priority, the current focus has shifted towards provoking communal tensions. The chief minister lamented that the AIADMK, as an alliance partner of the BJP, has become a silent witness to these developments.
AIADMK Accused of Abandoning Anna's Ideals
In his letter, Stalin also targeted the opposition AIADMK, alleging that the party bearing the name of Annadurai has forgotten his core ideal of state autonomy. He claimed that the AIADMK has "become a slave of the BJP" and is attempting to plunge Tamil Nadu into darkness by aligning with forces that undermine federalism.
Accusations of Language Imposition
The chief minister further accused the BJP of orchestrating a "well planned Hindi and Sanskrit imposition" in Tamil Nadu. Stalin highlighted that in a state where Annadurai firmly established the two-language policy, there is now a calculated attempt to dilute this policy through the forced promotion of Hindi and Sanskrit. He noted that the AIADMK has happily joined hands with the BJP in this endeavor.
Defending State Rights and Federalism
Stalin emphasized that the Tamil Nadu government, under the Dravidian model, is actively resisting every attempt to undermine federalism. He pointed out that while voices for state autonomy are echoed in states ruled by non-BJP parties, the AIADMK fears speaking about this crucial issue. The chief minister cited recent economic survey data released by the Union government to argue that Tamil Nadu has grown significantly under DMK rule despite what he described as the "BJP government's planned betrayal."
Commemorating Annadurai's Legacy
On the occasion of Annadurai's death anniversary on February 3, Stalin, along with senior party members, has planned a symbolic walk from the Anna statue on Anna Salai to the Anna memorial on Kamaraj Road. This event is intended to honor the legacy of the former chief minister and reaffirm the DMK's commitment to his principles of social justice and state autonomy.
The chief minister's letter serves as both a tribute to Annadurai and a political manifesto, outlining the DMK's stance against what it perceives as threats to Tamil Nadu's cultural and political identity. Stalin's remarks reflect ongoing tensions between the state government and the central BJP-led administration, highlighting deep-seated concerns about federalism, language policy, and communal harmony in the region.
