Chennai's Deputy Chief Minister, Udhayanidhi Stalin, launched a fierce political offensive on Saturday, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government of attempting to create a foothold in Tamil Nadu by stoking communal discord. The allegations were made in the context of recent tensions in Thiruparankundram, Madurai, related to the 'deepam' issue.
Accusations of Political Exploitation of Religion
Speaking at an event in Villupuram after unveiling a statue of former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, Udhayanidhi Stalin did not mince words. He asserted that the people of Tamil Nadu are fully aware of the unfolding events in Thiruparankundram. The DMK leader claimed that after failing repeatedly to gain political ground through various strategies, the BJP has now turned to exploiting religious sentiments for electoral benefits.
"After repeatedly failing to gain ground through various strategies, they have now turned to religion for political gains. But they will not succeed, not as long as the last cadre wearing the black-and-red bordered 'veshti' of Kalaignar stands on this soil," Udhayanidhi declared, invoking the iconic attire associated with his grandfather's party workers.
Scathing Attack on AIADMK as BJP's 'Slave Outfit'
In a blistering critique of the principal opposition party, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), Udhayanidhi Stalin labeled it a mere subsidiary of the BJP. He targeted AIADMK's general secretary, Edappadi K. Palaniswami, directly.
He stated that the AIADMK has been reduced to a "slave outfit" of the BJP, straying so far from its original Dravidian ideological foundations that it should now be renamed the "Amit Shah Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam." This remark underscored his accusation of the national party's overarching influence over the regional ally.
Focus on Welfare and a Call to Cadres
Shifting from criticism to his party's agenda, Udhayanidhi outlined the roadmap for the DMK's continued public support. He emphasized that it is the responsibility of every party worker to effectively communicate and deliver five flagship state government schemes to the people.
He listed these key welfare initiatives:
- The free breakfast scheme for school children.
- 'Pudhumai Penn' scheme for girl students.
- 'Naan Mudhalvan' skill development program.
- 'Vidiyal Payanam' travel subsidy scheme.
- 'Magalir Urimai Thittam' providing monthly financial assistance to women.
Udhayanidhi stressed that ensuring the success of these programs is crucial for securing the DMK's mandate in future elections.
Substantial Welfare Distribution in Villupuram
In a separate event during his visit, the Deputy Chief Minister also presided over a significant welfare distribution ceremony. He handed out benefits worth a total of 119.70 crore rupees to 9,230 beneficiaries in the Villupuram district. This tangible demonstration of the government's welfare focus served as a backdrop to his political statements, reinforcing the DMK's development narrative against the BJP's alleged divisive politics.
The day's events highlighted the escalating political rhetoric in Tamil Nadu, with the ruling DMK positioning itself as the sole guardian of the state's social harmony and welfare model, while framing the BJP and its ally as external forces sowing division for political entry.
