Manamadurai (Tamil Nadu), April 2 DMK leader Kanimozhi criticized the AIADMK on Thursday for its alliance with the BJP, saying that its leader, Edappadi K Palaniswami, would face the same fate as JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar, and that the party "at least" should be in the opposition.
Addressing a public meeting here for the April 23 elections, the Lok Sabha MP claimed that this was not just an Assembly election, but a battle between "Keeladi and Nagpur, the headquarters of RSS."
She was referring to the Keeladi archaeological excavations in this district, and claimed that the findings have proven the cultural significance of Tamil, which the "BJP does not want to accept."
She said that Chief Minister and DMK President M K Stalin had asked the Centre to accept the report of the findings, which it has not done.
"They (the BJP-led Centre) didn't accept it because that would reveal the importance of Tamils and the Tamil race to the world. The BJP cannot accept this; (a government) that keeps imposing Hindi on Tamil Nadu and gives a meager allocation for Tamil compared to Sanskrit," she said.
She criticized the AIADMK for aligning with the BJP.
"As a Tamil, Palaniswami should have said that the Centre and Prime Minister Narendra Modi should accept the research report. Palaniswami thinks he will be made the Chief Minister. Just think about what happened to Nitish Kumar. Someone who should have been the Chief Minister is sitting in the Rajya Sabha," she said. Kanimozhi was referring to Kumar's decision to step down as Bihar Chief Minister and move to the Upper House of Parliament.
Further criticizing the AIADMK chief, she said, "If you have a favourite state, let Amit Shah know about it. He will only send you as governor there."
She further said that it was "well-known" what has happened to the other allies of the BJP.
"I am concerned; Tamil Nadu needs an opposition party, don't we? We believe in democracy; you (AIADMK) should at least be in the opposition, and I am saying this out of concern. Please take care," the Lok Sabha MP said.
The victory of the ruling DMK and CM Stalin is "assured."
The upcoming contest was not merely confined to the elections, Kanimozhi said.
"Beyond the elections, there will be a battle; that of Keeladi versus Nagpur, which is the headquarters of RSS. It is a Nagpur versus Tamil battle," she said.
Expressing confidence in the ruling party-led bloc's victory in the election, she said, "Our win is for all the people of India."
"It will give hope to every Indian that they can also defeat divisive forces and those who are against the country's development."
Further, the ruling DMK's election promises, including "Muthalvar Padaippagam," have been made by Stalin, and they are implementable, she said.
She also assured a number of development initiatives for the regions, including Tirubuvanam and Ilayankudi in the district, and referred to the DMK's election promise of "Muthalvar Padaippagam."
This initiative includes a 24-hour wi-fi facility for young people who want to work, but do not have a place to do so, in addition to books.
"Who has given these assurances—Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin. They are implementable," she added.