In a recent press conference held in Salem, Udhayanidhi Stalin, the Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development, didn’t mince words when he characterized the breakup of the AIADMK-BJP alliance as a “comedy show.” He confidently predicted that the political scenes in Tamil Nadu would change once again within the next three months.Ā
Udhayanidhi’s remarks were nothing short of bold. He suggested that a mere phone call from Home Minister Amit Shah or Prime Minister Narendra Modi could be all it takes for the AIADMK to reconsider renewing their alliance with the BJP. He went on to claim that this wasn’t the first time both parties had faced off and insinuated that the specter of Enforcement Directorate (ED) cases against AIADMK ex-ministers might coerce them into falling back in line with a simple directive from Delhi.
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However, Udhayanidhi made it abundantly clear that the DMK, which he represents, would not be intimidated by such political maneuvers. He emphasized that the DMK’s alliance was rooted in principles, and it would endure despite external pressures. He further underscored the tainted history of the AIADMK, citing the unique case of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, who remains the only serving chief minister in the country to have been convicted for corruption.
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The aftermath of the alliance’s breakup seemed to be marked by an unusual silence, as Udhayanidhi disclosed that senior leaders from both parties had been instructed not to criticize each other publicly. He voiced his concern that the people of Tamil Nadu should not be betrayed by the vacillations of the BJP and AIADMK.
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Udhayanidhi also took a dig at recent developments, pointing out that despite the availability of direct flights to Delhi, two AIADMK ex-ministers chose to fly from Cochin, while two others traveled from Bengaluru, all in an attempt to keep their meetings with BJP leaders discreet.
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The minister also commented on the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids at the BJP office in Chennai, dismissing them as mere eyewash. According to him, the investigative agency left the premises promptly after receiving a phone call. He attributed these actions to what he called false campaigns by the BJP, aimed at diverting public attention from a staggering Rs 7.5 lakh crores scam allegedly associated with various central government projects, as revealed in a CAG report.
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In closing, Udhayanidhi firmly stated that the BJP would not return to power, indicating his party’s confidence in the upcoming political landscape. He also made it clear that the DMK would steadfastly protect the rights of Tamil Nadu on critical issues such as the Cauvery dispute, in contrast to what he perceives as the AIADMK’s wavering stance.
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Finally, he highlighted the successful implementation of the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai (KMUT) Scheme, noting that almost 80 percent of applicants had already received Rs 1,000 under the program, with those left out being given an additional 25 days to apply for consideration.