Chennai, July 30:
Leader of the Opposition and DMK Youth Wing secretary Udhayanidhi Stalin on Wednesday said society must celebrate those who fought for people’s rights rather than “Instagram and reel warriors,” as he unveiled a statue of veteran CPI leader R Nallakannu.
Describing Nallakannu as a symbol of simplicity and lifelong struggle, Udhayanidhi said inaugurating his statue was a “lifetime honour.” He was speaking at an event where he also released writer Bagu’s book Ammatchi Karpanaiyin Mudhal Aasiriyar.
Highlighting the long-standing association between the Dravidian and Communist movements, Udhayanidhi said both had stood together whenever Tamil Nadu’s rights were under threat. He recalled former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi’s admiration for Communist leaders and noted that former Chief Minister MK Stalin had continued that legacy by honouring Nallakannu with the Thagaisal Tamizhar Award and full State honours after his passing.
“Today, society admires those who make reels, but it does not recognise those who genuinely work for the people,” Udhayanidhi said.
Reiterating the DMK’s opposition to NEET, he said the party had consistently resisted the medical entrance examination since its introduction.
Addressing the gathering, CPI state secretary M Veerapandian said the party was willing to work with all democratic forces, including the DMK, to defeat the BJP and RSS, which he described as its principal ideological adversaries.
Later, speaking to reporters, Veerapandian clarified that the CPI would continue its outside support to the ruling TVK government to safeguard democracy, while asserting that it was not part of any alliance and would oppose the government if it deviated from pro-people policies.
Dismissing speculation about a growing proximity with the DMK, he said the CPI considered the DMK, AIADMK and TVK as democratic forces, but maintained that its core ideological battle remained against the BJP and RSS.
On future electoral alliances, he said a decision would be taken only after elections were announced. For now, he added, the newly formed Left Coordination Committee would focus on public issues, with its first meeting scheduled at the CPM headquarters on August 4, followed by a joint rally of Communist parties.