A political confrontation erupted in Tamil Nadu after Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s comments on a recently held “Knowledge Festival” drew a sharp rebuttal from BJP leader and former Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan. The exchange has quickly intensified into a public war of words, with both leaders accusing each other of arrogance and political insecurity.
What Udhayanidhi Said
Speaking at an event, Udhayanidhi said, “A person with wisdom organizes a knowledge festival. During that knowledge festival, when we criticize them, they get angry, just like a thief fears the police… just hearing the word ‘knowledge’ shocks them.”
His comments were widely circulated on social media, drawing applause from DMK supporters but criticism from opponents.
Tamilisai Responds: “Don’t Be Arrogant”
Reacting to his statements, Tamilisai Soundararajan launched a direct attack on the Deputy Chief Minister’s political rise and credibility.
She said, “This morning I saw Udhayanidhi’s interview. He was speaking on TV, saying only knowledgeable people organize knowledge festivals, that those who lack knowledge need not worry about it. So, is Udhayanidhi claiming to be wise? Did you become the Deputy Chief Minister because you are wise? You became Deputy Chief Minister by inheritance. Don’t be arrogant!”
She further said, “Mr. Udhayanidhi, don’t be arrogant. You organized the knowledge festival, gave it a big name, and now you’re speaking as if you alone are knowledgeable, and others are not. Don’t be arrogant. Just intellect alone doesn’t make you Deputy Chief Minister.”
Countering Udhayanidhi’s ‘Thief and Police’ Analogy
Udhayanidhi’s analogy, linking critics of the festival to thieves who fear the police, also came under attack.
She added, “He had said only thieves fear the police—fear comes to a thief when he sees the police. That’s why, when they see us, they’re afraid.”
Tamilisai shot back: “I’ll turn that statement back: Why are you afraid of the SIR (Special Investigation Report/list)? You are afraid because you’re involved in vote theft. That’s why you fear the SIR.”
She went further, alleging electoral malpractice: “How did you win before? You yourself admit that you won using fake voters.”
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