'Modi-Amit Shah politics won’t work in TN': Udhayanidhi Stalin ahead of Assembly polls

Calling on party workers to prepare for the electoral fight, he said Youth Wing members would be at the forefront.

• Udhayanidhi Stalin calls TN polls a fight for social justice
• DMK Youth Wing urged to lead campaign against BJP, AIADMK
• DMK promises to double women's aid if re-elected

Did our AI summary help?

Udhayanidhi Stalin, on Sunday, framed the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections as a decisive ideological battle, asserting that it would be a contest “between Tamil Nadu and Delhi” and “between social justice and social injustice.”

Addressing a meeting of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Youth Wing in Thanjavur district, the Deputy Chief Minister said, “Modi-Amit Shah politics will not work in Tamil Nadu. This election is a war between Tamil Nadu and Delhi. It is an election between social justice and social injustice, between the Tamil language and the imposition of Hindi.”

Calling on party workers to prepare for the electoral fight, he said Youth Wing members would be at the forefront. “In this battle, the frontline workers are the Youth Wing members. We must prove that Tamil Nadu will never bow to Delhi. We have achievements and history on our side. Even if those without political understanding complain, victory will belong to the Rising Sun symbol. We must win in all 200 constituencies,” he said.

Highlighting the party’s organisational strength, Stalin claimed that five lakh office-bearers had been appointed in the Youth Wing and 50 lakh members enrolled. “No other political party or affiliated wing in India has such a strong organisational structure. Today, many parties are struggling to even find people to form booth committees,” he said.

He also praised the State government’s welfare initiatives under Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, stating that the “Dravidian Model” schemes were gaining national attention. “The schemes of the Dravidian Model government are being noticed and appreciated across India. It will once again be the DMK 2.0 government that forms the administration in Tamil Nadu,” he said.

Referring to a recent announcement by the Chief Minister, he said the monthly women’s entitlement assistance would be increased from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 if the party returns to power. “Because of this, the entire Sanghi group and their allies are crying out in protest,” he added.

Targeting the BJP and its allies, Stalin said leaders from the Centre would frequently visit the State ahead of the polls but alleged that necessary funds would not follow. “PM Modi and Amit Shah will keep coming. But the funds required for Tamil Nadu will not come. Modi and Amit Shah may succeed in northern states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, but they will never succeed in Tamil Nadu,” he said.

He criticised alliances involving the BJP and the AIADMK, and questioned the leadership of AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami. Without naming specific remarks, he referred to past criticism directed at Palaniswami and alleged a lack of leadership credentials.

Taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “double-engine government” pitch, Stalin said, “Prime Minister Modi, look at your alliance vehicle, everyone in it is a punctured tyre. Your punctured tyres and your non-functioning engine will never run in Tamil Nadu.”

He further accused rival parties of lacking ideology and commitment. “Politics is public service; it is a commitment and dedication. DMK members must demonstrate this. Without commitment and dedication, no one can achieve anything. Fascism and subservience must be driven out,” he added.

The meeting of DMK Youth Wing functionaries was held at Sengipatti in Thanjavur district, with administrators from eight constituencies participating.