BJP MLA Vanathi Srinivasan criticized Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, questioning the DMK’s commitment to Dalit empowerment and calling for a Dalit to be appointed as the Deputy Chief Minister.Vanathi emphasized that the BJP, since its inception during the Jan Sangh era, has consistently honored Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s legacy. She argued that if the DMK truly respects Ambedkar, it should take concrete steps to empower marginalized communities, such as appointing a Dalit as the Deputy Chief Minister. “Will Chief Minister Stalin take this step?” she questioned.
Vanathi accused the Congress and DMK, part of the ‘INDIA’ alliance, of misrepresenting Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks on Ambedkar in the Rajya Sabha for political gains. She reminded that it was the Congress that defeated Ambedkar in elections, reflecting a lack of genuine respect for his contributions.
Highlighting BJP’s efforts, she recalled the establishment of an Ambedkar statue in Chennai’s ICF area in 1983 by the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, inaugurated by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, five significant places associated with Ambedkar’s life, including his birthplace and residence, have been transformed into grand memorials.
Vanathi also pointed out that the BJP-led government appointed Ram Nath Kovind, a Dalit leader, as President, and now, a tribal woman, Droupadi Murmu, serves as the President of India.
Turning her criticism to the DMK, Vanathi questioned Stalin’s decision to appoint his son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, as a minister instead of choosing a leader from the Dalit community. “Why hasn’t the DMK given the Deputy Chief Minister post to someone from the Scheduled Castes?” she asked, suggesting that this exposes the party’s lack of genuine commitment to social justice.
Vanathi concluded by asserting that the Dalit community would recognize these discrepancies and hold the DMK accountable in the future.