Kamal Haasan Slams Centre for Sideling Tamil Nadu, Endorses DMK Candidate in Trichy Campaign
In a fiery campaign speech in Trichy on Monday, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) founder and Rajya Sabha MP Kamal Haasan launched a scathing attack on the Union government, accusing it of being unable to tolerate the growth of Tamil Nadu and deliberately sidelining the state in its priorities. The actor-politician was campaigning in the Trichy–Thiruverumbur assembly constituency, where he extended his support to Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, the incumbent contesting from Thiruverumbur under the DMK banner.
Haasan Urges Voters to Back DMK's "Rising Sun" Symbol
Addressing a gathering from atop a campaign vehicle, Haasan passionately urged voters to rally behind Poyyamozhi under the DMK's iconic "Rising Sun" symbol. He emphasized that education remains the fundamental cornerstone for the region's progress and development. "The path to advancing Trichy lies in education. Anbil Mahesh has been walking this path with distinction, and as a result, Tamil Nadu has witnessed a significant rise in female education," Haasan declared, claiming a notable 34% increase in female education rates attributable to these efforts.
Praise for State Government Initiatives
Haasan took the opportunity to commend the initiatives of the Tamil Nadu state government, specifically highlighting two key programs:
- He credited Chief Minister M.K. Stalin for launching the "Naan Mudhalvan" scheme, a flagship educational program aimed at skill development and empowerment.
- He also praised Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin for establishing an Olympic academy within the constituency, which he said promotes sports and youth development.
According to Haasan, Poyyamozhi has been effectively implementing these and other educational reforms on the ground, making a strong case for his re-election to sustain the positive momentum.
Allegations of Envy and Criticism of the Centre
Turning his focus to the central government, Haasan did not mince words, alleging that leaders in Delhi are driven by "envy" over Tamil Nadu's remarkable achievements in multiple domains. He pointed to the state's successes in:
- Education reforms and literacy rates
- Social justice initiatives and inclusive policies
- Economic development and industrial growth
Haasan further criticized Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, accusing him of attempting to impose Hindi on non-Hindi speaking states while simultaneously withholding funds that are rightfully due to Tamil Nadu. This, he argued, is part of a broader pattern of neglect and discrimination against the state by the Centre.
The campaign event underscored the ongoing political tensions between Tamil Nadu and the Union government, with Haasan positioning himself as a vocal advocate for the state's rights and autonomy. His endorsement of the DMK candidate signals a strategic alignment in the lead-up to the elections, focusing on local development and resistance to perceived central overreach.
