Chennai, Nov 16: In a bid to mobilise support and amplify awareness about the upcoming second state Youth Wing conference of the DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam), Udhayanidhi Stalin, the Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development, inaugurated a bike rally in Kanniyakumari. The conference, scheduled for December 17 in Salem, aims to address issues concerning the rights of Tamil Nadu that, according to Udhayanidhi, have been contested by the Union Government.Addressing the participants of the rally, Udhayanidhi emphasised the crucial role of party cadres in reaching out to the public over the next 15 days. He urged them to advocate for the right to education, the abolition of NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test), and shed light on the various welfare schemes being implemented by the state government.
Providing an update on the ongoing signature campaign against NEET, Udhayanidhi revealed that nine lakh signatures and 10 lakh postcard signatures have been collected thus far. Taking a swipe at the AIADMKās state-level conference held in Madurai, he urged that the upcoming DMK Youth Wing conference should distinguish itself from its predecessor.
Using a metaphor, Udhayanidhi likened the BJP to a hammer attempting to unlock the metaphorical door, representing Tamil Nadu, emphasizing that only the key, symbolized by the DMK-Dravida Iyakkam, could open the hearts of the people in the state. He asserted that Tamil Nadu remains steadfast in upholding the principles of the Dravidian Movement, resisting any encroachment on its people’s rights.
The bike rally, spanning four zones across all 234 constituencies, involves 188 campaigners covering a distance of approximately 8,400 kilometers. Udhayanidhi urged every participant to prioritize safety by adhering to road safety rules while riding.