In Tiruvarur (Tamil Nadu), Chief Minister MK Stalin launched his campaign for the April 23 Assembly elections, criticizing AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami as a leader lacking a long-term vision.
He described the NDA as an "anti-Tamil and opportunistic alliance."
Stating that he was formally introducing his party and his allies' candidates from the Tiruvarur region, and seeking their support, Chief Minister Stalin claimed that there were many examples to demonstrate the intellectual capabilities of Opposition Leader Palaniswami.
He stated that Palaniswami lacked understanding and foresight, and was demonstrating this.
He said: "Do you know what the most striking thing about Palaniswami's statements is? When asked how he would implement his election promises, he replied that he would do so by increasing taxes. Only Palaniswami can think like this, and that is why the BJP has easily intimidated him and kept him in their alliance."
The NDA, he claimed, has only one objective: to hinder Tamil Nadu's development, and aims to "destroy" the development achieved through the Dravidian model.
He alleged: "This is the objective of the NDA, and since the BJP, which leads the NDA, lacks the strength to oppose us in Tamil Nadu, it has purchased the AIADMK. Generally, the BJP does not act in the best interests of the people. However, when elections are approaching, they make some announcements in the budget for the sake of appearances. However, the NDA, with a "deceptive mindset", was unwilling to do even that for Tamil Nadu. After the BJP-led central government came to power, it has done no good for Tamil Nadu and has not implemented any special schemes."
The chief minister listed initiatives, including the Madurai AIMS project, to substantiate his allegations against the BJP-led Centre, and said that despite obstacles, the state has made several achievements.
He alleged that since the state did not "accept Hindi imposition," the BJP-led Centre has not yet released even the education funds.
"Can the future of Tamil Nadu be entrusted to a group with such a deceptive mindset? Can the people of Tamil Nadu be handed over to such a deceptive group? The Dravidian party chief appealed to the people to reject the NDA in order to protect the future of Tamil Nadu. He said: "You are yourselves witnessing what kind of opportunistic alliance the NDA is. By intimidating Palaniswami, who ran a regime of corruption, commission, and collection, they formed an alliance."
On April 23, when people go to cast their votes, there was just one thing they needed to think about, whether the "NDA's anti-Tamil opportunistic alliance," or the continued legacy of the DMK's accomplishments. He urged people to reflect on this point and make their choice. He accused the NDA of "depriving" Tamil Nadu of its rights and for committing a series of betrayals and dramas as if the AIADMK-BJP had split. Ultimately, after deciding in Delhi, the NDA has now come to Tamil Nadu to lose, and it is the truth. He said: "That is why I said that the election is between team TN vs team Delhi; Tamil Nadu vs NDA."
In order to protect Tamil Nadu, to ensure its development journey, to prevent the state from becoming a land of riots, the BJP-AIADMK alliance must be decimated and the DMK must assume power again. Further, Stalin added: "You all must understand one thing well, we are fighting not just for the victory of the DMK, not just for the victory of the alliance led by the DMK; this is for the sake of Tamil Nadu's victory."
He said that under the "upcoming Dravidian model 2.0 government," the DMK would deliver an administration so exceptional that it would surpass even their own past achievements.
He assured pumpsets without meters, benefiting over 20 lakh farmers. Monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,500 will be provided under the Pudhumai Penn and Tamil Pudhalvan schemes (will be hiked from Rs 1,000) for students. "Over the next five years, 35 lakh students pursuing higher education will receive laptops."
The Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam (Rs 1,000 monthly assistance for women), a trendsetter among the DMK regime's flagship schemes, was emulated by several other states. However, the BJP at the Centre plotted to stall this scheme using election as an excuse.
The DMK became vigilant and as a result, Rs 5,000 — assistance of Rs 1,000 for 3 months together along with a summer special grant of Rs 2,000 — was provided to each of the 1.31 crore women beneficiaries in February itself. Also, for government employees, the Tamil Nadu Assured Pension Scheme (TAPS) was implemented for which they have been struggling for 22 years.
Stalin sought votes for DMK's Poondi Kalaivanan (Tiruvarur) and TRB Rajaa (Mannargudi) and for CPI's Marimuthu (Tiruthuraipoondi) and SDPI's Mohammed Mubarak (Nannilam). After presiding over the DMK rally and delivering his address, CM Stalin walked on the streets of Tiruvarur, noted for its grand temple chariot, and sought votes.