Stalin Criticizes AIADMK and BJP Over Religious Politics in Tamil Nadu

Vellore, June 26 (PTI) — On Thursday, Chief Minister M K Stalin criticized the AIADMK for their silence when Dravidian leaders such as reformist icon Periyar E V Ramasamy were disparaged at a recent conference organized by a Sangh Parivar group. Stalin accused the BJP of attempting to divide the people of Tamil Nadu along lines of religion and caste. The BJP's narrative of a "threat to religion" is merely a guise, Stalin claimed, asserting that it is the BJP-led alliance that is under threat. Addressing a government event in the Tirupathur district, he noted the overwhelming reception he received from diverse sections of the public, including women, youth, farmers, and students, during his journey from Vellore.

Expressing his concerns, Stalin said, "What is the intention of those at the Centre (referring to the BJP)? They persistently try to fracture Tamil Nadu society on religious and caste bases. Failing in this, they now involve the AIADMK." He also criticized the BJP and AIADMK for focusing on religion while ignoring real issues such as economic decline, livelihood challenges, and unemployment. The context for these remarks is a recent Hindu Munnani conference in Madurai, attended by BJP and AIADMK members, where a contentious video denigrating Dravidian leaders like Periyar, CN Annadurai, and M Karunanidhi was played.

Stalin remarked, "In Tamil Nadu, it is only the BJP alliance that faces any threat. Their attempts to leverage God's name for political advantage will not succeed here; their insincere devotion and political theatrics will not fool the people," he asserted. Emphasizing Tamil Nadu's heritage as the home of revered Dravidian leaders, Stalin declared, "All religions coexist peacefully here, with each community having its rights."

Highlighting achievements under his tenure, Stalin noted, "Over the last four years, 3,000 temples have been consecrated in an unprecedented manner in Tamil Nadu. Additionally, Rs 84 crore has been allocated for the renovation of churches and mosques." He branded this as the "Dravidian model" of governance, a model that irritates those engaging in communal politics.

Without naming the involved parties, Stalin said, "They can only approach voters by flaunting their achievements if they've indeed made any. Their reliance on religious politics has been challenged by the DMK's successes in spiritual as well as secular arenas." Affirming the legacy of Periyar, Anna, and Karunanidhi, Stalin accused the Hindu Munnani/BJP of trivializing these figures.

He lambasted the AIADMK, his political adversary, for being mere "mute spectators" during the episode. "They have mortgaged Anna's name. Those who've sold out their party must not be allowed to do the same with Tamil Nadu," he warned, urging the public to discern the anti-Tamil Nadu conspiracy and to respond decisively against the AIADMK and BJP.

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