Jose Charles Martin, founder of the LJK, on Monday launched a sharp attack on Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, dismissing his criticism over the alleged reintroduction of lottery and accusing him of lacking political maturity.
The remarks came after Udhayanidhi, while campaigning in Lalgudi, alleged that Martin’s family entering politics was aimed at regaining control and reintroducing lottery operations in Tamil Nadu. Responding to the charge, Martin defended his mother Leema Rose and said the criticism was misplaced.
Addressing reporters, Martin said, “No, he doesn’t have that level of understanding. Only if he stays here in his own place would he know. He goes off to Dubai and keeps to himself with a few friends there. What does he really know about what’s happening here?”
When asked about the DMK’s past association with lottery operations and alleged funding, Martin shifted the focus to the ruling party leadership. He said, “No, it is Mr. Stalin who should answer that. Because the DMK itself has accepted it. They have said that they received ₹500 crore like this. After you held this press meet, you should go and ask Mr. Stalin and Mr. Udhayanidhi—why did you take this money, for what purpose did you take it, and how was it used? You should be the one asking them.”
On being pressed further, he confirmed the transaction, stating, “Yes, it is true that the money was given. All of this is accounted money; there are proper transactions. That is why it was given. You should ask Mr. Stalin about it. Everything is there, there is online evidence, we also have the documents. These are all open documents.”
Martin escalated his criticism of Udhayanidhi, questioning his political seriousness and suitability. He said, “No, he keeps speaking incorrectly. For him, elections are just a way to pass time. Like a small child playing around, speaking casually and moving on. But when you look at it, they are supposed to be important leaders, he keeps saying they fell at someone’s feet and all that. His speech shows no maturity at all. He is not a person fit for politics. What this shows is dynasty politics, someone from the family comes into politics just because the father or grandfather was there, then the son, then the grandson. For them, politics is taken very lightly.”
Continuing his remarks, he added, “People generally fall in love, then get married, raise children well, educate them, and build their future. But he seems to fall in love only after marriage. After marrying, he falls in love, and when that love failed, he goes and drinks poison and attempts suicide. So, if such a person is to be brought as a future Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, how will the people accept it? What benefit will he bring to the public?”
When asked about the DMK-Congress alliance, he said, “That’s what I’m saying—the alliance may look strong. But I’m saying Rahul Gandhi himself hasn’t even come. They claim the crowd is strong. If Rahul had come, he should have campaigned here. Instead, he went to Puducherry. One is doing separately, the other is doing separately. Then why call it an alliance? Why not go separately? Why didn’t Rahul Gandhi come? Was he not willing? When asked, what did they say? That after finishing in states like Kerala, he will come here. Look at the Prime Minister, he has come to Puducherry twice already. Within 30 days, he has come twice. What work does Rahul Gandhi have? Honestly, what work is he doing? What is he so busy with? What big work is he doing that he cannot come here? This shows seriousness or rather the lack of it. These people treat everything like a game. Udhayanidhi, Rahul Gandhi, these people are just passing time. They come through lineage, and they don’t understand the value of it or the struggles behind it. People are depending on them. He drinks at night and sleeps. He wakes up late in the morning. The next day he cannot go to work. He just roams around the town. Then suddenly he flies off to Dubai and comes back. He keeps four girlfriends. That is his life.”
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