DMK's Rivals Recycling Old Accusations, Says CM Stalin in Chennai

Chief Minister M K Stalin of Tamil Nadu asserted on Friday that the DMK's political opponents are "recycling old accusations" because they cannot accept the state's growth or challenge the ruling party electorally. Speaking at an event organized by a media house in Chennai, Stalin addressed several allegations that have been repeatedly leveled against his party.

Dynastic Politics and Corruption Claims

The first charge he tackled was that the DMK practices dynastic politics. "Anyone can enter politics. But success is possible only if they face the people, earn their trust, and win their votes," Stalin emphasized, highlighting that electoral validation is key rather than mere family connections.

On the issue of corruption, Stalin pointed out that none of the charges against the DMK have been proven so far. "They come up with imaginary accusations to defame DMK," he stated. He turned the tables on the BJP, accusing it of aligning with "corrupt forces." "You called the AIADMK corrupt when it was outside your alliance. Have they become clean after being put into your washing machine?" he questioned, using a metaphor to criticize the BJP's political alliances.

Anti-Hindu Allegations and Temple Consecrations

Rejecting claims that the DMK is anti-Hindu, Stalin declared that these assertions have no evidence. He provided a concrete counter-argument: "We have conducted consecration ceremonies in over 4,000 temples in just 1,730 days — more than even BJP-ruled states," he said, underscoring his government's commitment to Hindu religious practices.

Questions for BJP on Tamil Nadu's Welfare

Stalin hit out at the BJP for its allegations, accusing the saffron party of refusing to answer questions concerning the welfare of Tamil Nadu. He posed a series of pointed queries:

When will pending education funds, which have been withheld for opposing Hindi imposition, be released?
Why has disaster relief been delayed?
When will approval come for Coimbatore and Madurai Metro projects?
When will the Keeladi report be released?

"This is the list of betrayals by BJP," he asserted, framing these issues as failures of the central government.

Upcoming Assembly Election and Ideological Contrast

While the DMK stands for national unity, Stalin said, the BJP speaks of "uniformity" and practices "fascist politics." He added that the upcoming assembly election would be a contest between Tamil Nadu and the NDA. "The NDA here has no ideology. It is driven by compulsion and self-interest. Tamil Nadu will give a fitting reply," he predicted, setting the stage for a heated electoral battle.

Cabinet Meeting on Interim Budget

In related news, officials mentioned that a cabinet meeting is scheduled on February 5 under the Chief Minister to discuss the interim budget for Tamil Nadu, indicating ongoing governance activities amidst the political discourse.