In a sharp critique of the ruling party at the Centre, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) deputy general secretary and MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of systematically misusing central investigative agencies like the Income Tax Department, CBI, and Enforcement Directorate (ED) as part of its political strategy. Expressing strong confidence in her party's prospects, she predicted a DMK victory in the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
Ideology, Promises, and the Dravidian Model
Addressing the potential electoral battleground, Kanimozhi stated that Tamil Nadu's political discourse is unlikely to be reduced to a simplistic Hindutva versus Dravidian ideology contest. She emphasized that while a majority in the state are believers, there is a broad consensus that religion is a personal matter and should not be mixed with politics, a principle that has fostered social harmony.
On the question of fulfilling poll promises, the DMK leader asserted that the M K Stalin-led government has delivered on most of its Assembly election commitments. She clarified that promises related to waiving education loans and reducing fuel prices are dependent on being part of the Union government. Kanimozhi also highlighted the state's struggle with unfair fund devolution from the Centre, citing the withholding of thousands of crores in student-related funds due to Tamil Nadu's rejection of the new education policy.
Countering Allegations and Rivals
Kanimozhi launched a strong rebuttal against BJP state president K Annamalai's allegation that the DMK is against the Hindu community. She pointed to the state's HR&CE department conducting kumbabishekam at thousands of temples, reclaiming temple lands, and facilitating events like the Nellaiappar Temple car festival. "The Dravidian model government is inclusive," she stated, adding that schemes like free bus travel and education for first-generation graduates benefit all without caste discrimination. She countered, "They (BJP) are against Tamil-speaking Hindus."
Responding to AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami's claim about it being DMK's "final year," Kanimozhi expressed concern for the opposition party, suggesting it had become a "B team or B3 team of the BJP." On actor-politician Vijay's political entry, she questioned the clarity of his party's ideology and stance on key issues, dismissing the branding of DMK as an "evil force" as rhetoric meant to appeal to children.
Confidence in Youth and Governance
Kanimozhi expressed unwavering confidence in the political awareness of Tamil Nadu's youth, including Gen Z voters. She detailed the government's focus on holistic development through schemes like the breakfast initiative for school children, Pudhumai Penn, Tamil Pudhalvan, and Naan Mudhalvan, which support students from entry to graduation and employability. She also cited the state's 11.9% growth rate and 14% manufacturing growth as indicators of robust progress under the DMK administration.
Reiterating her prediction for the 2026 polls, Kanimozhi said, "DMK will return to power." She credited the government's inclusive schemes, such as the Thayumanavar initiative for ration delivery and political representation for differently-abled persons, as milestones that resonate with the people. On the use of central agencies, she sarcastically suggested adding another 'E' for the Election Commission to the "ICE" (IT, CBI, ED) strategy she accuses the BJP of deploying, asserting that the public does not take such cases seriously.
