The Tuesday Interview | BJP and its ideology should be opposed beyond elections: Stalin

Terming the AIADMK-BJP alliance as a political combination that doesn’t bring any benefit to the state, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has said that the BJP as a party and its ideology should be opposed beyond elections.

In an interview with DH’s E.T.B. Sivapriyan, Stalin criticized the AIADMK-BJP alliance as detrimental to Tamil Nadu, accused Governor R N Ravi of acting as a puppet of the Union Government, undermining democracy, and disregarding judicial verdicts.

Rejecting claims that the DMK uses state autonomy for vote-bank politics, Stalin emphasized DMK’s 75-year legacy of fighting for equality, social justice, and Tamil rights.

Stalin also defended Tamil Nadu’s two-language policy, termed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) as a “washing machine” for the BJP and criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s inconsistent stance on AIADMK’s corruption. Excerpts:

You have completed four years as the Chief Minister and how do you evaluate your administration? Could you speak about three schemes that have given you the most satisfaction?

The Dravidian Model government has been implementing several pioneering schemes, showing the way for India. These schemes are conceived keeping in mind that they uplift even the last-mile citizen.

Schemes such as Kalaignar Urimai Thittam, Pudhumai Penn, Tamil Pudhalvan (Rs 1,000 monthly assistance to women, and male and female students from government schools who enrol in colleges respectively), Naan Mudhalvan ( a path-breaking skill development scheme for students), and Chief Minister’s Morning Breakfast have immensely benefitted the targeted population.

Statistics on the efficacy of the schemes, media reports highlighting beneficiaries’ experiences, and their adoption by other state governments are living proof of their success. Therefore, there is no need to rank these schemes as first, second, or third.

Each scheme brings me equal satisfaction and that is why people welcome me with immense affection and warmth wherever I go. They see me as one of their own and share their problems with me, trusting that I can solve them. In my view, the people’s affection and faith in me are the true appraisal of our four-year-old administration.

Over the past four years, the tensions between the Governor's office and the Tamil Nadu government have intensified. Despite the Supreme Court’s verdict, Governor R N Ravi alleges that you forced Vice-Chancellors to boycott his Ooty meeting. How do you respond to this?

I have always believed in following the democratic path laid down by C N Annadurai and M Karunanidhi, and I have never drifted away from the direction they chose. Although the DMK is ideologically opposed to the Governor’s post, my position has consistently been that those occupying such high office should be accorded due respect as long as the post exists.

However, Governors who act merely as puppets of the Union Government, attempt to propagate regressive ideas that have no relevance or connection to Tamil soil and its people, thereby undermining the dignity of the Legislature elected by the people.

Not just in the last four years, even in 2017, when Governor (Banwarilal Purohit) overstepped his mandate by conducting review meetings during the AIADMK regime, it was the DMK that staged protests across the state in defence of democratic principles.

We approached the judiciary against the Governor (Ravi), who not only acts beyond the provisions of the Constitution but also speaks against the very people he is meant to serve. We trusted the courts, and they ruled in our favour after thoroughly examining our arguments.

Yet, this Governor, who shows little regard for democracy and its values, has now extended his confrontational stance even to judicial verdicts. This is why educationists and the public are boycotting him. Unable to grasp this simple truth, he resorts to making baseless and imaginary accusations against the government. How can I respond to someone who treats his imagination as reality?

Is the DMK using state autonomy as a political tool through efforts like taking the Governor to court, bringing CMs of Southern states on a single platform on delimitation, and forming a committee to examine the Centre-State relationship? Will this resonate with the public?

I am not someone who acts with vote-bank politics in mind. Those well-versed in history will understand the depth of the demands put forth by the DMK. The slogan, "Federalism at the Centre, Autonomy in States," is a cornerstone of the DMK's ideology.

We have consistently emphasized that state governments, which work closely with the people, should have sufficient powers to meet their demands. This is why our leader, former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, constituted the P.V. Rajamannar Committee in 1974 to study Centre-State relations and passed its recommendations as a State Autonomy resolution in the Tamil Nadu Assembly.

The new committee, chaired by Justice Kurien Joseph, to review Centre-State relations is a continuation of our long-standing efforts. State autonomy has always been a primary issue in our election campaigns. However, some individuals with malicious intent falsely portray the DMK as raising such issues solely for electoral gain. People know the truth, and those detractors will receive a fitting response.

There is criticism that the DMK wins elections solely by relying on the alliance’s anti-BJP stance. There is also a view that by raising issues like state autonomy, you are trying to divert attention from people’s dissatisfaction with your administration. Your response?

DMK is a 75-year-old party, governing Tamil Nadu for a record sixth term. As an organization, we have consistently fought for and worked to ensure equality, social justice, and the emancipation of the downtrodden.

True to the words of Tamil poet Bharathidasan, pongu tamilarku innal vilaithaal sangaaram nisamena sange muzhangu (if any harm is caused to Tamils, let the conch resound to proclaim destruction), the DMK has always been at defending the linguistic and cultural sentiments of Tamils whenever they are insulted or threatened.

Since these opposition are against the BJP, it may look like that way. But BJP, as a party, and its ideology, must be opposed beyond elections. The DMK’s politics are dedicated to benefiting the people of Tamil Nadu and advancing the state’s interests. We will continue to stand against anyone who opposes the state and its principles.

You have repeatedly stated in the Assembly and public that there will be no change in TN’s two-language policy. With the Centre pushing the three-language policy and withholding funds, how long can Tamil Nadu sustain its two-language policy without central support?

Developing a scientific temper and enhancing skills among students are among the most valuable contributions to education. Learning their mother tongue, Tamil, alongside English to communicate with the rest of the world, and mastering subjects like Science, Mathematics, History, and Computer Science will help students grow. If someone wishes to learn an additional language for education or work, they can do so through various methods. Technology can also come to their aid.

But asking children to learn a third language won’t help. Third Language is only a mask to impose Hindi on Tamil Nadu. The imposition of Hindi and the BJP’s efforts to keep students out of schools (by implementing no detention policy at different stages) must be viewed through the same lens.

That is why, the DMK has steadfastly upheld its two-language formula, which has contributed significantly to Tamil Nadu’s progress. By withholding funds, the Union Government thinks it can shake Tamil Nadu’s strong foundation in education.

Reducing or not releasing funds amounts to strangulating a state, and those in New Delhi must reconsider their actions to stop perpetuating this injustice against Tamil Nadu.

Though a year is left for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the electoral field has already begun to heat up. The AIADMK and BJP have allied again after 19 months. What is your opinion on this alliance?

The AIADMK, which mortgaged Tamil Nadu’s rights to ensure that its government completed its full tenure in Tamil Nadu, continues to act as a puppet of the BJP. And the revival of their alliance is a classic example of this. People are well aware that their split (in 2023) and subsequent reconciliation are nothing but drama.

Whether they contest as direct allies or separate entities, this alliance offers no benefits to Tamil Nadu. This has always been a losing alliance (in 2019, and 2021) and people will reject them once again.

Regarding the Assembly elections, the AIADMK and BJP claim they will strengthen their alliance and that more parties will join their coalition. If this happens, do you agree that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will pose a tough challenge to you?

(Former Chief Minister) Edappadi K Palaniswami has made it clear that there is no connection between their ideology and alliance. It is they (AIADMK and BJP) in their anxiety who have cobbled up an alliance without any ideology. We don’t fear their alliance. People are with us.

DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance has won three consecutive elections. This time, you have set a target to win 200 assembly constituencies. Is the target of winning 200 seats a matter of confidence or overconfidence?

Our alliance was formed to fiercely oppose those who perpetrate injustice against Tamil Nadu and to steer the state toward progress. We remain steadfast in our ideology and work diligently to ensure that everyone benefits equitably, guided by principles of equality and social justice. That’s why the people of Tamil Nadu have been blessing us with consecutive victories. Our journey of success will continue.

Corruption, breakdown of law and order, and failure to fulfil election promises are the major allegations against your government by the AIADMK-BJP alliance. The Enforcement Directorate frequently conducts raids on senior DMK leaders. What is your response?

We have delivered the best governance in India under the label of the Dravidian Model. We have significantly improved the administration that was ruined by the previous AIADMK government. Those envious of our success, particularly in schemes empowering women, are trying to divert attention with baseless allegations. The entire country knows the status of the corruption allegations levelled by the BJP against leaders of opposition parties.

As far as the ED is concerned, it is a political tool for the BJP to threaten opposition parties and others to make them align politically with the saffron party. In short, ED is a washing machine for the BJP and everyone knows it. The trust that we have in our development schemes and justice is what is driving us forward. Above all, we trust people.

On April 18, you strongly criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Was it due to his involvement in the Tamil Nadu elections or a response to his claims? What's your view on his statement about forming a coalition government in the state — will the people accept it?

While campaigning for the BJP in the 2016 elections, Amit Shah branded the AIADMK government as the most corrupt administration. Now, the same Amit Shah has aligned with the AIADMK, in an attempt to gain a foothold in Tamil Nadu through empty rhetoric. Such contradictions are evident. Not just me, but other political leaders also should not comment on such statements and criticisms. We will continue to challenge the BJP’s injustice against Tamil Nadu and their undermining of democracy in the people’s court. They must answer to the people.