Chennai, March 15 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Sunday claimed that even Christians were unable to celebrate Christmas peacefully in BJP-ruled states.
Referring to a recent comment made by the Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Muslims, Stalin said he did not want to demean the Iftar function by recalling the incident that occurred in the northeastern state.
"Not just Muslims, even Christians cannot celebrate Christmas peacefully in BJP-ruled states," Stalin alleged while participating in an Iftar function here on Sunday.
Sarma had allegedly made some "anti-Muslim" remarks in February, which were condemned by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, which had urged the Supreme Court to take immediate cognizance of the matter.
Noting that a large number of Islamic organizations have gathered to participate in the function, Stalin said, "(Today) all minority movements are united. Has this ever happened before? It was the DMK that brought about this unity."
"This unity is essential for Tamil Nadu, in fact, it is essential for the whole of India," he emphasized.
Targeting the rival AIADMK and its chief Edappadi K Palaniswami, the DMK chief sought to know whether the former had commented on the violence against minorities happening across the country.
"What we ask Palaniswami is that along with the AIADMK party, have you compromised your conscience to the BJP? That is what is painful," he alleged.
Stalin asked, "How can Palaniswami protect the rights and safety of minority communities, when their alliance partner BJP spreads hatred against them and seeks to benefit from it? This is not just Palaniswami; many in the country are like this who remain silent whenever trouble occurs to the Muslims through the BJP."
He underlined that it was the DMK which was the first to raise its voice for the rights of Muslims and had passed resolutions in the state Assembly. "That is why the minority community people always stand in support of the DMK," he said.
Observing that the relationship between the DMK and the Muslims did not happen overnight, Stalin said, "It is a relationship that has existed since this movement began. From the time of Quaid-e-Millat to Perarignar Anna (DMK founder CN Annadurai), to Kalaignar M Karunanidhi and now to me, this is a relationship that continues from generation to generation."
"This bond is inseparable and will continue forever," he said.