Tamil Nadu: Political tensions escalate as CM Stalin calls BJP worse than Corona; Annamalai offers strong rebuttal

As the Lok Sabha elections loom, a heated exchange of words between the DMK-led ruling party and the BJP has intensified. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, in a fiery statement, likened the BJP to a greater threat than Corona, citing grievances over Jallikattu and the Ram Mandir inauguration.

Stalin declared that the BJP’s politics of deception would not resonate with Hindi-speaking north Indians in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. He accused the BJP of callousness during the COVID-19 lockdown, asserting that their actions were worse than the virus itself. Stalin further alleged that the BJP’s attempt to divert attention through the inauguration of the Ram Temple would not sway voters.

Stalin contended, “Even the people of North India would not vote for BJP this time. By aligning with the BJP, AIADMK has betrayed the minorities, and now they are staging a drama. Minorities did not and will not forget the betrayal.” He called for the defeat of both AIADMK and BJP in the upcoming polls, emphasising the importance of the I.N.D.I.Alliance for real federalism to flourish.

Critics have pointed out the sharp rhetoric from Stalin, drawing parallels with his son, Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s earlier comparison of Sanatan (referring to Hinduism) to Malaria and Dengue. Observers express puzzlement over the BJP’s approach, providing a long rope to what they term a corrupt and inefficient DMK government in Tamil Nadu.

Former minister and AIADMK leader D Jayakumar voiced confidence, predicting that “BJP will poll less than NOTA in the coming elections. Our enemy is BJP. AIADMK will sweep the polls just like it did in 2014.”

Inaugurating the Kalaignar Centenary Eruthu Thzhuvuthal Arena in Keelakarai near Alanganallur, Stalin asserted that the BJP government at the Centre did not support Jallikattu during the hearing in the Supreme Court. However, locals expressed objections to the change in venue from the renowned Alanganallur, questioning the need for the shift. They highlighted the absence of a temple in the new arena, crucial for prayers before the traditional bull-taming sport. Videos circulating online suggest discontent among the locals, accusing the DMK of naming everything remotely connected to the late leader M Karunanidhi.

TN BJP Chief Annamalai retaliated against Stalin’s claims, rebuffing allegations that the BJP tried to stop Jallikattu. He reminded the public that it was the Congress government that imposed a ban on Jallikattu over a decade ago.

Tamil Nadu BJP Chief Annamalai responded sharply to Chief Minister MK Stalin’s accusations, asserting that Stalin’s life revolves around falsehoods. Annamalai accused Stalin of conveniently reading prepared scripts and misleading the public. He recalled Stalin’s past apology during his tenure in the ruling party for unknowingly signing documents related to methane extraction projects.

Annamalai shifted the spotlight to the DMK’s history, emphasising that the party, during its coalition with Congress in 2011, played a significant role in the ban on Jallikattu. He pointed out that the ban was announced by Congress’s Jairam Ramesh, the then-environment minister. Annamalai reiterated that the DMK, involved in corruption, failed to protest against the ban while holding central ministerial posts.

Tracing the timeline, Annamalai highlighted the pivotal role played by the Central Government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in reinstating Jallikattu. He emphasised that the Supreme Court, despite its initial ban, lifted the restrictions in January 2017 after the central government, under Modi’s leadership, instructed the Tamil Nadu government to pass an ordinance allowing the traditional sport.

In a scathing critique, Annamalai stated, “DMK can be proud that the BJP was able to lift the ban on Jallikattu only because the DMK alliance banned it.” He accused the DMK of prioritising power and position over Tamil heritage and the welfare of the Tamil people. Annamalai highlighted the DMK’s alleged role in various issues, including the Cauvery dispute and the Khachathivu matter.

Pointing to the Gopalapuram family, a reference to the DMK’s leadership, Annamalai questioned how long the family would continue deceiving the people for their hunger for power. He framed the DMK as the root cause of the problems faced by the Tamil people, challenging the party’s commitment to Tamil heritage and the interests of the people.

The DMK, known for its alleged false promises, misinformation, and recent controversies, is facing growing public displeasure. Issues include criticism over its handling of flood rescue operations, unfulfilled promises on drainage works, blaming the Centre for various challenges, misuse of Central government schemes, corruption allegations, deteriorating law and order, attacks on journalists, and ongoing legal battles related to corruption and disproportionate asset cases.

The DMK’s reputation has taken a hit due to these issues, raising concerns about its electoral prospects. Internal divisions within the I.N.D.I.Alliance add to the challenges the party may encounter at the national level. As the political rhetoric intensifies, the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu promise to be a battleground where issues of governance, accountability, and public trust will be decisive factors.