Chennai, April 8 Tamil Nadu will become a regressive state if the "Sanghi group" and the AIADMK, "which is shielding it", win the April 23 Assembly election, DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin claimed on Wednesday.
Using the word "Sanghi" in obvious reference to the BJP, the deputy chief minister also called upon people to reject the AIADMK-led NDA in the polls lest the state become regressive.
He argued that the ensuing election was very crucial in defeating the NDA and voting the DMK to power for more development in the state.
"This would also defeat the intentions of a hostile government in Delhi that is disinclined to provide funds to Tamil Nadu," he alleged.
Campaigning for the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance candidates in Avadi and Tiruttani in neighbouring Tiruvallur district, the DMK youth wing leader told party members, "The countdown for polls has begun. We have only 15 days left. Take up door-to-door campaigning, explain DMK's programmes and schemes to people, and ensure the DMK registers a resounding victory."
Garnering votes for DMK candidate V G Rajendran in Tiruvallur, Udhayanidhi urged the party members to strive hard and ensure the combine won over 200 seats and thereby "create history to protect Tamil Nadu from being defeated by the Delhi team."
"The people should help form the Dravidian model government again for growth. Our Chief Minister M K Stalin will provide greater development in every constituency across the state," he said.
Despite being a candidate seeking reelection from Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni constituency, he has been hectically campaigning throughout the state with the aim of DMK setting a record by forming the government under Stalin for the second consecutive term, he said.
"So, ensure a big victory by voting for the 'Rising Sun' symbol of the DMK," he appealed.
Udhayanidhi accused the Union government of neglecting Tamil Nadu and omitting it from the Union budget.
He claimed that Stalin, who had unveiled development plans for the next five years, was certain to become CM again.
"We have given numerous poll promises, including hiking the monthly grant for women heads of families to Rs 2,000, assured to create jobs for 50 lakh youth, and provide laptops to 35 lakh students in five years," he said garnering votes for the party candidate Karthik Mohan in Villivakkam.
He urged the party members to ensure the rival candidates were made to lose their election deposit.
Earlier, speaking at Avadi in support of S M Nasar, Minorities Welfare and Non-Resident Tamils Welfare Minister, who has been fielded from Avadi Assembly constituency, Udhayanidhi highlighted Nasar's remarkable contribution and role in local development, including critical infrastructure like roads, storm drains, health centers, municipal buildings, and the metro rail extension.