BJP should learn TN will never accept divisive politics and agenda, says Stalin

The DMK chief also launched a frontal attack against Governor R N Ravi and Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai by mocking them as “chief campaigners” for his party.

Chennai: With the protests by right-wing outfits at Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple weighing heavily on his mind, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Saturday accused the BJP of trying to orchestrate riots in Tamil Nadu by “fomenting communal tensions” since it was unable to digest the state’s progress in multiple sectors under the DMK rule. 

At a rally to protest the Union Budget “ignoring” Tamil Nadu near Chennai, Stalin asserted that the BJP will be forced to “discipline” itself if it does not learn the fundamental lesson that Tamil Nadu, where people from different faiths and castes co-exist peacefully and identify themselves only as Tamils, will never accept divisive forces. 

The DMK President also launched a frontal attack against Governor R N Ravi and Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai by mocking them as “chief campaigners” for the DMK and made a sarcastic appeal to “those in Delhi” to not change from their posts. Stalin also accused the Union Government of “deceiving” Tamil Nadu by not allocating funds for infrastructure projects and to carry out relief and rehabilitation of people affected by natural disasters. 

“They (the BJP) know very well that they cannot stop Tamil Nadu from the path of development. That’s why they are trying to create confusion and attempting to orchestrate riots. People in Tamil Nadu, though they follow different religions, identify themselves as Tamils and go about with their daily life,” Stalin said. 

Lakhs of people attend religious ceremonies every day and they return home peacefully as they understand that politics and spirituality should never be mixed. 

“The people will never accept forces that use spirituality for political gains. They (BJP) want to convert Tamil Nadu into violence-ridden states like those in North India. Some forces cannot accept growth and if they try to foment riots, they will only face disappointment. Please discipline yourself. Else, you will be disciplined by the people,” Stalin said.

The Chief Minister’s comments assume significance in the wake of tension in Thiruparankundram near Madurai earlier this week after BJP and other right-wing organisations held a massive protestagainst a few people, allegedly from the Muslim community, consuming meat at the hillock. 

Stalin, in his address, tore into the Governor for “not being able to fathom TN’s growth”, said R N Ravi should listen to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech in Parliament on the role of those holding gubernatorial positions and change “his attitude” towards the state and its government. 

“Ravi should continue (as Governor) because his actions give us renewed vigor. Likewise, Tamil Nadu BJP chief (K) Annamalai should also be allowed to continue. We don’t have to campaign for elections. They (Ravi and Annamalai) will campaign for us and bring us (the DMK) to power again and again,” Stalin added. 

Criticising the Union Government for “ignoring” the demands of Tamil Nadu, the Chief Minister said the state will continue to grow despite obstacles from various quarters.

“Bihar got maximum announcements from the Budget. We are not against Bihar but what about Tamil Nadu? If you keep denying funds for every project to TN, why call it a Union Budget?” he asked.