Union Minister Piyush Goyal Accuses DMK of Dividing the Nation
Union Minister Piyush Goyal launched a scathing attack on the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) during a campaign event in Coimbatore on Thursday. He accused the ruling party of Tamil Nadu of actively working to divide the nation, emphasizing that India is fundamentally "one nation" where state and central governments must collaborate rather than compete.
Criticism of State Government's Approach to Central Funds
Goyal highlighted that the central government provides substantial financial support to Tamil Nadu, amounting to lakhs of crores of rupees. He stressed that these funds should be utilized effectively for development purposes. However, he criticized the state government for what he described as improper management and obstruction of central initiatives.
Coimbatore Metro Project Delays
The minister specifically pointed to the proposed Coimbatore metro project as an example of the state government's failure to cooperate. He revealed that Tamil Nadu had submitted an incomplete report for the project, lacking mandatory details required for central approval. "The Centre had returned the proposal seeking clarifications, but the state government failed to respond," Goyal stated. He labeled this as the "typical approach" of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, accusing his administration of deliberately hindering progress.
Allegations of Corruption and Family Rule
Goyal did not hold back in his accusations of corruption within the DMK. He mentioned DMK leader Senthilbalaji, who is associated with corruption cases and is currently under court scrutiny. The minister expressed confidence that voters in Coimbatore would reject what he called "false promises" from the party.
He further accused the DMK of promoting family rule, suggesting that Senthilbalaji acts as an agent for this system. Goyal contrasted this with the previous administration under J. Jayalalithaa, praising her for significant infrastructure development and slamming the current DMK government for neglecting both infrastructure and basic amenities.
Election Concerns and Alliances
During his speech, Goyal raised several questions about the upcoming elections in Tamil Nadu. He questioned the allocation of 28 seats to the Congress party, asking if this represented a "local Dravidian regional party" rather than a national entity. He also expressed concerns about the fairness of the election process, pointing out instances where police were harassing YouTubers and restricting social media posts in the state.
"Will the election commission be able to ensure a fair election in Tamil Nadu?" Goyal wondered aloud, casting doubt on the integrity of the electoral environment.
Appeal for Support on Key Issues
The minister made a direct appeal to the DMK and Congress to support the women's reservation bill in parliament. He urged them to avoid spreading false statements and to focus on collaborative governance. Goyal emphasized the importance of unity between state and central governments for national progress.
Campaigning for BJP and AIADMK Candidates
Goyal was actively campaigning for BJP candidate Vanathi Srinivasan in Coimbatore North, where a roadshow was conducted at Saibaba Colony. He affectionately referred to Vanathi as his "sister" and praised her for defeating actor Kamal Haasan in the previous election. He urged voters to support her once again, stating that Coimbatore would play a crucial role in determining the road to power in Chennai.
He also campaigned for NDA-backed AIADMK candidate Amman Arjunan in Coimbatore South, where another roadshow was held on VKK Menon Road near Gandhipuram. During these events, Goyal raised slogans like "vendam Udhayanidhi" (No Udhayanidhi), warning that a vote for M.K. Stalin could pave the way for his son Udhayanidhi Stalin to become chief minister.
Cultural Criticism and Future Vision
In his speeches, Goyal accused Udhayanidhi Stalin of lacking respect for Tamil culture, adding a cultural dimension to his political critique. He positioned the AIADMK-BJP alliance as the alternative that would bring back the "Amma rule" of Jayalalithaa, which he associated with development and stability.
Goyal's remarks underscore the intense political rivalry in Tamil Nadu as elections approach, with central figures like him directly engaging in state-level campaigns to sway voter opinion.
