Chennai, Oct 7: In a recent address, Chief Minister MK Stalin has strongly criticised the BJP-led Union government’s plan to reduce the number of Lok Sabha seats in the State. The reason cited for this reduction is the alleged declining population in Tamil Nadu. Stalin made these remarks during an event where he accepted the title ‘Samooga Needhikkana Sarithira Nayagar’ (Historical Hero of Social Justice) conferred by the Dravidar Kazhagam.
Stalin, who has a deep-rooted association with the Dravidar Kazhagam, expressed his gratitude and referred to the organization as his “maternal home.” He emphasized his close relationship with K Veeramani, the president of DK, calling him a “guardian angel” who had supported him during his imprisonment under MISA (Maintenance of Internal Security Act). Stalin also drew parallels with the guidance he received from Veeramani to the comforting influence that Periyar and Anna had on the late DMK stalwart M Karunanidhi.
Highlighting the historical alignment between the DK and DMK, Stalin stressed that their partnership was founded on shared Dravidian principles and values. He emphasized that the alliance formed was not merely political but rooted in a common commitment to uphold principles.
Stalin also underlined Tamil Nadu’s exemplary progress in various sectors and emphasised the importance of respecting every language. He asserted that the alliance forged was aimed at ensuring self-respect, asserting that it was not a political alliance but one built on shared principles.
Promising to restore the state’s lost glory, Stalin pledged to fight for fundamental rights, including the rights to education, funding, social justice, and state autonomy. He expressed concern over alleged attempts to undermine the state’s autonomy, particularly by reducing the number of parliamentary segments through delimitation, which would subsequently decrease the number of MPs representing Tamil Nadu.