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Journalism of Courage
INDICATING that the DMK was digging its heels in, as the BJP mounts attack on it over the Sanatan Dharma controversy, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M K Stalin accused the BJP of trying to divert people’s attention from pressing national issues and its corrupt practices.
In a detailed statement, Stalin echoed what Dravidar Kazhagam leader K Veeramani had said earlier, and emphasised the need to focus on the BJP’s “corruption”, rather than being sidetracked by the Sanatan Dharma row.
“The Prime Minister has not fulfilled any poll promises made before the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. The BJP government has lost the people’s faith and is engaging in a publicity spree,” Stalin said, adding that the party was hence trying to “masterfully” divert attention “through media sensationalism and other tactics”.
After staying away from the stir generated by his son and Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi’s remarks, Stalin had in his first statement indicated that he wanted to lower the heat. He had said that the BJP might have misunderstood what Udhayanidhi said when he talked about the need to “eradicate” Sanatan Dharma, and that he only meant that the evils in it be removed. Udhayanidhi had also asked his followers not to file FIRs over BJP leaders’ attacks against him.
However, in his Wednesday’s statement, Stalin indicated he was ready to take the battle forwarded. He talked about the situation in Manipur, the “unfulfilled promises” of the Modi government since 2014, including the pledge to bring back black money stashed abroad and the promise to create employment opportunities for youths, as well as highlighted recent Comptroller and Auditor General report on certain irregularities in Central government projects. Stalin also talked about the Rafale “scam”, allegations concerning the Adani Group and other controversies, saying these had caused international embarrassment.
“He (Modi) promised to double the income of farmers. Did it double? No! He introduced the three farm laws which even took away their existing income… The PM pledged to provide employment for two million youths every year, but no job opportunities were provided… In 2022, it was promised that every family in India would have their own house. Can we boldly claim that there is no family without a house now?” Stalin said.
On the Manipur situation, the DMK chief said: “For the past four months, there has been unrest in Manipur. The BJP, which lacks a spine, is in power there. Just two days ago, there was also a shootout. Without addressing all of this, the BJP is trying to divert attention.”
He accused the Modi government of undermining the authority of states and disregarding the sentiments of their people. With the formation of the opposition INDIA coalition, Stalin added, the BJP’s days in power are numbered. “…realising that the people are prepared to overthrow the BJP’s rule and accept the INDIA coalition, BJP leaders are now considering changing the country’s name. In recent by-elections, the INDIA coalition parties have achieved significant victories.”
