Madurai (Tamil Nadu) [India], April 2 : Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Kanimozhi on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), asserting that the people of Tamil Nadu are not ready to vote for the BJP-led coalition and are instead prepared to support the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA).
Campaigning in support of DMK candidate for the Madurai South constituency, Bhoominathan, she emphasised that the people will vote for those who safeguard the future of the Tamil people and their children.
"People are not ready to vote for you (NDA). They are prepared to support the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and our alliance, which is capable of fulfilling the promises it has made under our Chief Minister. The people are ready to vote for those who will safeguard the future of Tamil people and Tamil children," Kanimozhi said.
The DMK MP described it as a "policy-based" coalition rather than an opportunistic one. She took a swipe at AIADMK general secretary Edappadi Palaniswami for allying with the BJP despite previous declarations.
"Our alliance is a policy-based alliance. It is not a shifting or opportunistic alliance. It is a people-centric coalition that will continue its journey with commitment and stability. Years ago, Edappadi Palaniswami had declared that he would never, under any circumstances, form an alliance with the BJP. But today, they are standing together on the same stage, hand in hand. They come to seek votes based on such contradictions," she added.
Kanimozhi also countered the BJP's narrative that the DMK is "anti-Hindu", citing the renovation of religious sites under the current state government.
"The BJP claims that the DMK is against Hindus. However, the reality speaks otherwise. Under this government, more than 4,000 temples have undergone consecration ceremonies (Kumbabhishekam), marking a significant achievement. This stands as clear evidence of the work carried out by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government," she stated.
On the issue of welfare schemes, the DMK MP pointed to the successful implementation of monthly assistance for women and promised an increase if returned to power.
"In the last election, we promised to provide Rs 1,000 as a monthly assistance to women, and we fulfilled that promise. Today, in Tamil Nadu, 1 crore 31 lakh women are benefiting. In the next term, if we return to power, this assistance will be increased to Rs 2,000," Kanimozhi announced.
The DMK leader further criticised the Central government over the rising prices and supply of LPG cylinders, questioning the 'Make in India' initiative.
"Even after the war, many countries have continued to function without any shortage of gas cylinders. However, under Prime Minister Modi's 'Make in India' claims, even LPG cylinders are not truly made in India but are largely imported from abroad. As a result, today there is uncertainty about how long gas supplies will last. Many lodges and restaurants are struggling; the price of gas has nearly doubled, putting them under severe financial pressure," she said.
Concluding her address, Kanimozhi stated that the DMK approaches the public with "pride and confidence," seeking votes based on the achievements delivered over the past five years.
Tamil Nadu will go to the polls in a single phase on April 23, covering a total of 234 constituencies in the State. Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.
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