In a sharp attack on the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government, Bharatiya Janata Party's Tamil Nadu president Nainar Nagenthran on Sunday accused Chief Minister M K Stalin of practising 'selective' secularism. He also levelled serious allegations of corruption, administrative failure, and a collapse of law and order in the state.
Charges of Selective Secularism and Governance Failure
Addressing party supporters in Trichy as part of his statewide campaign, Nagenthran specifically questioned Stalin's recent participation in a Christmas event in Tirunelveli. He argued that the chief minister's actions revealed a double standard. "The chief minister says attending the event was part of secularism. But he does not extend greetings for Diwali or celebrate Diwali," Nagenthran stated. He insisted that true secularism would require equal participation, and claimed that Stalin's approach was selective.
Further intensifying his criticism, the BJP leader cited the case of Poorna Chandran, who immolated himself over the Thiruparankundram deepam issue and is now referred to as 'Deepathoon' Poorna Chandran. Nagenthran described this tragic incident as a direct reflection of the DMK government's administrative failure, also alleging that the state disregarded a high court order by moving the Supreme Court on the matter.
Focus on Infrastructure and Central Funds
Nagenthran launched a broadside against the state's infrastructure and education sectors. He claimed that crores of rupees had been wasted on bus terminals like Panjappur, which now stand without buses. He also painted a grim picture of government schools, alleging poor building conditions and a rampant drug culture among students. He accused School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh of turning a blind eye to these critical issues.
The BJP state chief also targeted the Public Works Department, questioning the work of Minister Nehru. "The roads in corporations and municipalities, including Trichy, are in terrible condition," he said. On financial management, Nagenthran accused the state government of failing to properly utilise central funds. He highlighted that while the Centre provided drinking water through the Jal Jeevan Mission and ₹1,500 crore each to corporations under the Smart City project, no proper work has been undertaken on the ground.
Prime Minister Modi's Rally and Alliance Dynamics
In a significant political announcement, Nainar Nagenthran revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to participate in the concluding event of his statewide campaign in Pudukottai on January 9. He described this upcoming gathering as an NDA programme, indicating a show of strength by the opposition alliance. He confirmed that AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) and other leaders are expected to attend.
Commenting on the evolving alliance, Nagenthran said that if new members join the coalition, they would also share the stage at the event. This statement came alongside remarks from AIADMK Viralimalai MLA C Vijaya Baskar in Pudukottai, who suggested that the 'environment is in favour of EPS also to join the event.'
During the Trichy meeting, the BJP also played a video on an LED screen showcasing alleged corruption under the DMK regime. The video included visuals of Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids and purported irregularities in municipal recruitment, aiming to bolster their corruption charges against the state government.
