In Manmadurai, Tamil Nadu, Kanimozhi, a DMK leader, criticized the AIADMK's alliance with the BJP, stating that its leader, Edappadi K Palaniswami, would face the same fate as JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar, and that the party should at least be in opposition.
Addressing a public meeting for the April 23 elections, Kanimozhi argued that the election was not just about the Assembly, but a battle between "Keeladi and Nagpur," the headquarters of the RSS.
She referred to the Keeladi archaeological excavations in the district and claimed that the findings proved the cultural significance of Tamil, which the BJP does not want to acknowledge.
She stated that Chief Minister and DMK President M K Stalin had urged the Centre to accept the findings report, which it has not done.
"The BJP hasn't accepted it because that would reveal the importance of Tamils and the Tamil race to the world. The BJP cannot accept it; a government that constantly imposes Hindi on Tamil Nadu and provides minimal funding for Tamil compared to Sanskrit," she said.
She strongly criticized the AIADMK for aligning with the BJP.
"As a Tamil, Palaniswami should have urged the Centre and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to accept the research report. Palaniswami seems to believe he will be made Chief Minister. Consider what happened to Nitish Kumar, who was Chief Minister but moved to the Rajya Sabha," she said. Kanimozhi was referring to Kumar's decision to step down from the Bihar Chief Ministership and move to the Upper House of Parliament.
Further criticizing Palaniswami, she said, "If you have a favorite place, let Amit Shah know. He will only appoint you as governor there."
She further stated that it was "well-known" what had happened to other BJP allies.
"I am concerned, Tamil Nadu needs an opposition party, right? We believe in democracy, and you (AIADMK) should at least be in opposition, and I am saying this out of concern. Please be careful," the Lok Sabha MP said.
Kanimozhi asserted that the ruling DMK and CM Stalin's victory is "assured."
She said the upcoming election was not just about the polls, but a battle between "Keeladi and Nagpur," which is the headquarters of the RSS.
Expressing confidence in the ruling party's win, she said, "Our victory is for all the people of India."
"This will give hope to every Indian that they can also defeat divisive forces and those who oppose the country's development," she added.
Kanimozhi also reiterated that the DMK's promises, including "Muthalvar Padaippagam," made by Stalin, are implementable.
She also reiterated the DMK's promise of "Muthalvar Padaippagam," which includes a 24-hour Wi-Fi facility for youth who want to work but don't have a place to do so.
Later, addressing a similar meeting in Madurai for her party's candidate, Kiruthika Thangapandi, she said that the town reminds of the attempts by the BJP and AIADMK to "create a riot" recently, referring to the deepam lighting row at the Arulmigu Subramaniyaswamy Temple.
"In Tamil Nadu, people of all faiths live as brothers and sisters. There are different religions here, but no hatred or vendetta based on religion. The people of Tamil Nadu are only focused on development; focus on national development, women's development, and respect for oneself. But the BJP has repeatedly created communal violence to gain power (and) tried the same game in Tirupparankundram. But the people here gave a fitting response saying this is Tamil Nadu, there is no place for you," she added.
Responding to Palaniswami's question about why the DMK, which was criticizing the AIADMK's alliance with the BJP, joined hands with the saffron party in the past, Kanimozhi said the ties were determined based on a Common Minimum Programme (CMP). This ensured the minorities were protected, she claimed.
She further criticized the AIADMK chief for opposing the CAA, Waqf Board related amendments, the now withdrawn farm laws, and other issues related to the current BJP dispensation.
Kanimozhi said the DMK was fighting the April 23 polls on its five-year performance, while referring to the various development initiatives undertaken in and around Tirupparankundram.