News Tamil Nadu

DMK Goons Create Ruckus At News 18 Tamil Nadu’s Debate Show Unable To Take Criticism From BJP’s SG Suryah

April 7, 2024
The Commune

As the 2024 parliamentary elections approach their climax with only 12 days remaining, a live event named “Makkal Sabhai” was organized by News 18 Tamil Nadu channel on 6 April 2024, at Uma Murugan Mahal in Kanchipuram. The panel comprised representatives from different political parties, including current MLAs, who presented their perspectives and criticisms of the ruling party in Tamil Nadu, as well as the opposition. The platform served as an opportunity for each party to promote its ideology and critique others’ stances.

The panel consisted of Kanchipuram MLA Ezhilarasan representing the DMK, Dr. SG Suryah from the BJP, Balabharathi from the CPM, Kalayansundaram from the AIADMK, Badsha from the TMK, and Kazhanjiyam from the NTK. The host for the event was Correspondent Balavel Chakravarthi.

When Kanchipuram DMK MLA Ezhilarasan took the floor, he expressed confidence in the widespread trust placed in the I.N.D.I alliance by the populace, asserting its forthcoming victory across India. He emphasized that although the alliance originated in Tamil Nadu, it was named the I.N.D.I.A alliance to symbolize its commitment to social justice nationwide. He accused the BJP of apprehension towards the formidable coalition of various parties, citing the recent arrests of alliance party leaders.

Addressing the issue of electoral bonds, he condemned it as a major scam introduction by the BJP, recently unveiled by the Supreme Court. He criticized the purported utilization of central agencies in coercing political funding through the purchase of electoral bonds during raids on companies, incorrectly stating that the BJP received 8256 crores through this scheme. He suggested a nexus between electoral bonds and political funding, pointing out instances where companies procured bonds during government tenders and income tax raids, claimed as scam. Furthermore, he leveled allegations with the CAG report concerning the Dwarka expressway project and Ayushman Bharat scheme, implicating the BJP in these matters. He referenced pre-poll data indicating BJP’s projected seat count below 180, interpreting it as a reflection of public sentiment.

Later, when SG Suryah, the Tamil Nadu BJP State Secretary, was brought the floor, he derided Kanchipuram DMK MLA Ezhilarasan, suggesting that there had been no mention of BJP’s seat count falling below 180. He insinuated that it was a ploy, emphasizing that no specific statistical references were made. Suryah cited pre-poll predictions from various media outlets, including India TV and CNN, indicating that BJP was projected to secure no less than 300 seats, while Congress was unlikely to exceed 50 seats. He questioned whether this confidence stemmed from wishful thinking or a misguided belief in replicating the 2019 election results.

Responding to Ezhilarasan’s criticism of the electoral bonds scheme, Suryah pointed out BJP’s substantial funding as the ruling party in 18 states, contrasting it with DMK and questioned the legitimacy of DMK’s receipt of funds. Suryah dismissed allegations of scam related to electoral bonds.

Turning to the issue of infrastructure, Suryah compared DMK’s expenditure on a bridge construction project from Teynampet to Saidapet, citing its exorbitant cost of 691 crores for a 3.2-kilometer stretch, to the proposed cost of constructing Dwarka Expressway with 16 lanes at a mere 18 crores.

Suryah then criticized DMK MPs like A Raja and Thirumavalavan for their past derogatory remarks about Hinduism, contrasting it with their current attempts to embrace Hinduism for political gain. He highlighted Thirumavalavan’s prior advocacy for dismantling Hindu idols and dismissing the relevance of Hinduism to society, juxtaposing it with their current efforts to visit temples for electoral appeal and A Raja who likened Hinduism to dengue and malaria now says his wife is a devotee of lord Ram

The discussion took a unexpected turn when Suryah involved the host, who initially questioned whether the battleground had shifted to BJP versus DMK to the DMK MLA. Suryah countered DMK’s dismissal of BJP as a state party, pointing out the continuous references made by DMK leaders throughout the day, questioning their consistency in disregarding BJP’s significance in the state.

Suryah then took aim at corruption allegations against the BJP by criticizing the DMK. He pointed out that the current ministers facing jail time are from the DMK, namely Senthil Balaji and Ponmudi. He highlighted the irony of Senthil Balaji’s case, initiated by the DMK itself. Suryah emphasized that figures like Kanimozhi and A Raja were imprisoned during the Congress regime, not the BJP’s tenure, yet the BJP is unfairly labeled as the enemy while the Congress is seen as an ally.

Furthermore, Suryah mocked the DMK’s leaders for their disparaging remarks after implementing financial schemes. He cited instances where Kathir Anand suggested that individuals only used beauty products like Fair and Lovely after receiving money from government initiatives. He also referenced Durai Murugan’s statement implying that parents’ sole responsibility is reproduction, as the government takes care of students’ education and meals. Suryah highlighted the DMK’s unfulfilled promises as another point of contention.

The intense debate quickly ignited the audience, particularly between the BJP and the DMK. Tensions escalated when DMK supporters became angered by the rebuttal from BJP State Secretary SG Suryah, leading to a physical altercation among attendees. A disturbing video footage captured chairs being thrown amidst the clash.

Responding to the incident, BJP State Secretary SG Suryah issued an official statement via X handle, condemning the actions of the DMK stated, “DMK is powerless to counter ideas with ideas. DMK thugs assaulted BJP members during the News18TamilNadu’s “Makkal Sabhai” event in Kanchipuram today.  Incivility in front of DMK MLA Mr. Ezhilarasan by throwing chairs and using third class words.”

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