M K Stalin questions BJP on AIADMK corruption cases
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin attacked the BJP over its alliance with AIADMK, rejected corruption and dynasty charges against the DMK, raised pending central funds and projects, and highlighted the achievements of the Dravidian Model at a Chennai summit
Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Friday launched a sharp attack on the BJP, asking whether their alliance partner AIADMK, allegedly involved in corruption cases, has been cleaned in their “washing machine”.
Targeting the saffron party for making “baseless allegations” against the DMK, Stalin, after inaugurating the NDTV Tamil Nadu Summit here, said those who cannot digest the growth of Tamil Nadu spread lies through “Whatsapp university”.
“All the allegations made against us follow an old script. The first of these is the political dynasty charge. I have already answered this. Anyone is free to enter politics, but they must stand before the people, earn their trust and win votes to succeed. This is a baseless accusation made by those who cannot face us on the ground,” the DMK chief said.
The second allegation they make against us is “corruption”. Has anyone proven a single allegation made against us so far, he asked.
Hitting out at the BJP, Stalin said, “Those currently with you are the ones truly involved in corruption, specifically the AIADMK, who were even convicted by the Supreme Court in corruption cases. When you were not in alliance with them, how many allegations did you level against them? Have you now washed them in your washing machine?”
The opposition claim that Tamil Nadu is anti-Hindu. But in the last 1,730 days of power, consecrations for over 4,000 temples have been conducted, a scale which has not even taken place in any BJP-ruled states, he claimed.
“True devotees are happy with this,” Stalin said.
Observing that the Centre did not answer any of his questions, the chief minister said he would once again ask the Union government from this platform when the education funds would be released to the state, when the Coimbatore and Madurai metro rail projects would be approved, and when the Keezhadi report would be officially released.
Stalin said that he demanded answers because India needs to be united and strong.
“We speak for the unity of the country. But the BJP talks uniformity and practises fascist politics. The states are the foundation of this country. India is a ‘Union of States’ and BJP must realise it. We believe true patriotism is in protecting the Constitution and the people,” he remarked.
Ridiculing that the BJP-AIADMK alliance in Tamil Nadu does not have any “ideology”, Stalin said, “It is an alliance formed out of compulsion and selfishness. Why are the opposition leaders afraid to demand a NEET exemption from their BJP leaders? Those who cannot raise a voice against schemes forced upon Tamil Nadu cannot protect the self-respect of the state.”
He further said, “Tamil Nadu will see that the NDA alliance is defeated in the upcoming polls. I believe in the people. As (former Chief Minister C N Annadurai) Anna said, I live among the people. I will work to ensure Tamil Nadu remains the number 1 state in India.”
Claiming that there are several models in Indian politics, Stalin said the ‘Dravidian Model’ is a “unique model” and that as an English media organisation, one would certainly feel the difference between Tamil Nadu and other parts of the country.
“In Tamil Nadu, every district, including Tier II and III cities and even rural areas, has seen development. Our state possesses excellent infrastructure and transport facilities,” he said.
Tamil Nadu achieved 11.19 per cent economic growth under the Dravidian Model rule and this progress was not achieved by accident, he said.
“We meticulously designed schemes ensuring that no section of society is left behind. On one side, we continuously face political pressure from the BJP government, and on the other, we implement projects for the future with a visionary outlook,” he said.
“Our policies evolve based on the needs of the people. From women and children to students, youth and entrepreneurs, we are benefiting every sector,” he said.
The chief minister on the occasion also highlighted some of the schemes that have been implemented during the last five years in Tamil Nadu.
