In yet another act seen as a violation of his oath of office, the Constitution, and the nation’s sovereignty, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President M. K. Stalin participated in a protest organised by the CPI (M), urging the Central Government to take steps to end the Hamas–Israel war. The demonstration, attended by DMK allies, was held on 8 October in Chennai.
Addressing the gathering, Stalin announced that his government would introduce a resolution in the Assembly on 14 October, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and urging the Centre to make every effort to end the conflict.
“The resolution will reflect the sentiments of the people of Tamil Nadu,” Stalin said. “I hope all parties, cutting across political lines, will support it. The indiscriminate bombings on Gaza by Israeli defence forces, in violation of international human rights and United Nations policies, have shaken the entire world. Everyone who has taken part in this protest condemns Israel’s mass killings.”
He further claimed that around 26,000 children had lost their parents, while over one lakh people injured in the war were receiving treatment in hospitals. “A major port in Gaza has been destroyed,” he added.
Stalin continued, “World peace and human rights are universal. Human life is invaluable, and we have a duty to protect it. Rehabilitation measures and the reconstruction of Gaza must begin immediately. All prisoners should be released.”
காசாவில் உலகமே பார்க்க இஸ்ரேல் நடத்தி வரும் அப்பட்டமான மனித உரிமை மீறல் கடுமையாகக் கண்டிக்கத்தக்கது; உடனடியாகத் தடுத்து நிறுத்தப்பட வேண்டியது!
எங்கோ நடக்கிறது என்று உலகின் மிகப் பெரும் ஜனநாயகமான இந்தியா இந்த விவகாரத்தில் கண்மூடி இருக்கக் கூடாது. பாலஸ்தீனத்தைத் தொடக்கத்திலேயே… pic.twitter.com/A27eKa7orJ
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) October 8, 2025
The protest saw participation from CPI (M) leaders P. Shanmugam and K. Balakrishnan, CPI state secretary M. Veerpandian, TNPCS president K. Selvaperunthagai, and Manitha Neya Makkal Katchi leader M. H. Jawahirullah, among others.
Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai took a sharp dig at Stalin, stating that the Chief Minister should focus on pressing domestic issues such as law and order, crimes against women and children, and the worsening governance situation in the state.
“People who do not even know the route to Kallakurichi, where nearly 68 people died after consuming illicit liquor, are now worried about Gaza,” Annamalai remarked. “Do you need to speak about world politics? You have failed to arrest those who mixed human faeces in a water tank supplying water to Dalit households in Vengaivayal two years ago. You showed no concern for the victims of Kallakurichi but are now shedding tears for Hamas terrorists and Palestinians. Asking people to show compassion for them is the height of comedy.”
Political observers alleged that Stalin’s participation was a clear case of vote-bank politics and appeasement.
“This move is aimed at consolidating Muslim votes,” critics said. “His government disallows protests or meetings by BJP, Hindu Munnani, RSS, and other opposition parties. Yet, pro-Palestine demonstrations are readily permitted, often with the participation of DMK leaders.”
They accused Stalin of attempting to portray Israel as the villain without understanding the geopolitical and historical context of the conflict.
“Many countries have banned Hamas for its terrorist activities. Yet Stalin sheds tears for them and demands the release of all Hamas prisoners, seemingly unaware that Hamas itself has killed several hostages,” they noted. “For him, Muslim lives appear paramount. He does not understand diplomacy in such matters, which falls squarely under the purview of the Central Government.”
Critics also pointed out the contradictions in Stalin’s human rights stance, noting that dissenters in Tamil Nadu often face police cases and arrests.
“In Tamil Nadu, people who criticise the DMK government are booked and silenced. Now Stalin talks about human rights violations in Gaza. Has he looked at the number of murders, sexual assaults, corruption cases, and drug trafficking incidents in his own state?”
They further alleged that DMK cadre were involved in many criminal acts. Two days ago, near a court premises, an advocate was allegedly assaulted and his vehicle pushed down by VCK members after he questioned their reckless driving. VCK leader Thirumavalavan was reportedly in the car, and his security personnel allegedly stood by as his party men attacked the biker.
“Neither the government nor the High Court, which took suo motu cognisance after the video went viral, acted against the attackers. Isn’t that a human rights violation?” critics asked.
Analysts also questioned the selective outrage of pro-Palestine protesters, asking why similar demonstrations were not held against the atrocities committed against Muslims in Pakistan, the military oppression in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, or the sectarian violence in Syria.
Meanwhile, in Kerala, Congress leader Jinto John attended a Palestinian Solidarity Event organised by the Students Islamic Organisation (SIO), the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind.
Observers have raised concerns over state governments allowing protests led by left-wing, fringe, and fundamentalist elements in support of Hamas.
“Now, with a Kerala minister and the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister openly taking part in such events, the matter has crossed a line,” a political analyst said. “Tamil Nadu has gone a step further by assuring that it will pass a resolution in the Assembly. If the Governor rejects it, will it still be deemed passed as per the Supreme Court’s 8 April ruling? Stalin has clearly violated his oath of office and the Constitution.”
They questioned whether the Chief Minister or his advisors were unaware that such matters pertain to foreign policy and international relations, areas where state-level vote-bank politics and emotional grandstanding have no place.
