DMK MP Kanimozhi launched a fierce criticism of the BJP and RSS, pledging to establish a “BJP and RSS-free Bharat” during an event organized by the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) on 14 October 2024. She condemned the BJP and its ideological counterpart, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), for promoting “hate politics.”
Kanimozhi, the sister of DMK Chief and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, did not hold back in her remarks, accusing these organizations of fostering division and animosity across the nation. “We will create a BJP and RSS-free Bharat,” she declared to an enthusiastic crowd. She further stated, “I want to tell the BJP in Tamil Nadu that they have no place here, as demonstrated in the last elections,” referencing the substantial losses the BJP faced in both the 2021 state assembly elections and the 2024 general elections.
The gathering, attended by senior Congress leaders and allies, aimed to denounce the divisive strategies allegedly promoted by the BJP and RSS. Kanimozhi highlighted the opposition’s resolve to combat these forces, characterizing the BJP and RSS as entities fixated on power and willing to exploit religion for political ends. “They are planting the seeds of hatred every day, and we must work tirelessly to uproot them,” she stressed, emphasizing the importance of ongoing efforts to challenge their ideology.
She heaped praise on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, calling him the only “fearless person” who is standing up to the BJP and RSS. According to Kanimozhi, Gandhi’s “Bharat Jodo Yatra” exemplifies love-based politics as a counter to what she described as the “hate politics” of the BJP-RSS. “If there is a fearless person today, it is Rahul Gandhi. He is spreading love to counter the hate politics of both BJP and RSS in the country,” she stated.
Kanimozhi also targeted the BJP’s opposition to practices like beef consumption, calling it another instance of their “hollow” and “fake” politics. She criticized the party for leveraging religion for political advantage, stating, “They oppose beef eating, but their motivations are purely political.”
In a pointed challenge to the RSS and BJP, she questioned their contributions to Hinduism: “What have they done for Hindus over the years? Can they provide any evidence to support their claims?” This highlighted the disparity between the BJP’s religious rhetoric and their actions.
Kanimozhi recounted an incident involving Rahul Gandhi and former Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur, who allegedly insulted Gandhi by calling him a “casteless person” after he called for a caste census. Initially perplexed by the remark, she later recognized it as an insult but praised Gandhi’s response, remarking, “When I heard Rahul say, ‘Yes, I am casteless,’ I was unsure whether I was hearing a Congressman or a follower of Periyar.”
Her remarks come amid speculation that she may feel sidelined within the DMK’s internal power structure. There are rumors suggesting her discontent with her nephew, Udhayanidhi Stalin, being appointed as Deputy Chief Minister a role she might have desired. As she appears to be shifting her focus to national politics, some view her outspoken opposition to the BJP as a strategic move to garner support within the opposition alliance and enhance her political profile. However, critics argue that she lacks the clout to sway DMK legislators or challenge Udhayanidhi’s rising prominence in the party.
(With inputs from Organiser)
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