M K Stalin and Udhayanidhi at the DMK youth wing conference in Salem welcomed 1,500 participants of a bike rally. (Image Credit: Times of India)
The second state-level DMK youth wing conference convened in Salem, where an apparent underlying objective was to facilitate a hurdle-free transition of the Chief Ministerial post to Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and position him as the party’s heir apparent. The conference revisited old issues, adopting them as new resolutions, with an emphasis on projecting Udhayanidhi’s prominence within the party.
The conference, aiming to position Udhaya Nidhi Stalin as the heir apparent in both party and power, adopted resolutions that seemed to revive old issues as new agendas. The underlying motive was to ensure a hurdle-free succession to the Chief Minister post for Udhaya Nidhi Stalin.
Spanning a sprawling 300 acres of land, the much-publicised conference kicked off with cultural programmes featuring young dancers in minimalist attire. Attendees, largely party workers, were treated to sumptuous meals and provided with packs for their journey back home. Party Chief and Chief Minister M K Stalin inaugurated the event by lighting the ‘flame of illajanarani’ symbolising the flame of self in the youth wing.
The entire Tamil Nadu cabinet graced the occasion, with many veteran leaders occupying prominent positions to silently express their acceptance of Udhaya Nidhi Stalin as the next heir. The conference, more than addressing policy matters, served as a visual spectacle of strength and endorsement for the young leader’s ascension within the party ranks.
Among the resolutions adopted, the demand for the removal of the governor’s post gained prominence. The conference also vehemently criticized the BJP’s decade-long rule, labeling it as “fascist.” The resolutions were strategically aligned with the political narrative to strengthen the DMK’s stance against the BJP.
The second state-level DMK youth wing conference held in Salem adopted 25 resolutions, featuring a robust condemnation of the ten-year rule of the Modi-led BJP government at the center. The resolutions encompassed a range of issues, including the removal of the post of Governors, the fight against NEET, opposition to the New Education Policy, and a pledge to expose the BJP’s alleged failures and unseat the NDA in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
A notable resolution called for the abolition of the post of Governor, describing it as “extra flesh” that needed removal for the protection of democracy. The resolution aligns with the long-standing DMK position that a state does not require a governor, echoing sentiments expressed by party leaders such as Anna, Karunanidhi, and MK Stalin.
Another resolution proposed appointing the Chief Minister as the Chancellor of state-run universities, replacing the Governor. It argued that appointed governors were unfit for the Chancellor’s post, and the Chief Minister, elected by the people, should assume this responsibility.
The youth wing vowed to continue the fight until Tamil Nadu received an exemption from NEET. It also opposed the New Education Policy and sought the transfer of medicine and education from the concurrent list to the state list, with a commitment to take legal measures in pursuit of these goals.
A resolution demanded the appointment of Tamil youth in central government jobs within the state, emphasising concerns about the current practice of appointing individuals from various states.
A resolution condemned the central government for allegedly encroaching on states’ rights and called for the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. It also advocated for strengthening state powers, aligning with former CM Karunanidhi’s stance in 1974.
Strong condemnation was voiced against the union government for allegedly using the Enforcement Directorate (ED) as a tool to suppress the opposition’s voice. The resolution decried the suspension of Members of Parliament and the perceived stifling of democratic voices.
Udhayanidhi Stalin’s Statements
Udhayanidhi Stalin, addressing the conference, emphasised that the resolution to abolish the post of Governor permanently was discussed, framing it as a fight to remove the BJP from the centre in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. He reiterated the commitment to fight against NEET, describing the new education policy as a backdoor entry for a hereditary education system.
Stalin asserted that the BJP, even after 2000 years, would not come to power in Tamil Nadu. He rejected any intimidation from the BJP government and expressed readiness to protest in New Delhi against NEET until its abolition. Criticising the new education policy, Stalin accused the Modi government of attempting to run parallel proxy governments through governors, which he argued was against democracy.
The youth wing, under Udhaya Nidhi’s leadership, vowed to expose the BJP as the real opposition to Hindus and accused the party of failing to fulfill electoral promises while attempting to gain votes through the Ayodhya Ram Temple’s prana pratishta ceremony. The conference concluded with a determination to unseat the NDA and bring about a change in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
CM Stalin’s Remarks
Chief Minister MK Stalin, in his address, accused PM Modi of attempting to destroy states and asserted that the BJP’s sole purpose was to strip states of their rights. He dismissed Edapadi K Palaniswamy’s actions as mere drama, claiming that AIADMK cadres did not believe it. Stalin stated that the youth wing was his home turf and highlighted DMK’s strength based on its base and ideology.
While the conference showcased the party’s resolve and opposition to the BJP, it also underscored the strategic positioning of Udhaya Nidhi Stalin as a prominent figure within the DMK’s leadership hierarchy, setting the stage for potential future roles within the party.
The DMK Youth Wing conference, while ostensibly addressing political issues, primarily served as a stage for projecting Udhaya Nidhi Stalin as the next political successor within the DMK hierarchy.
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