Arjun Sampath, chief of the Indu Makkal Katchi (IMK), addressed the press on 3 August 2023 and discussed various critical issues in Tamil Nadu that have been making headlines recently. In his candid briefing, he delved into matters concerning the Mekedatu Dam construction, the Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) land acquisition dispute, controversial comments by Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK)’s Seeman on minorities, and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Member of Parliament A Raja’s branding of the Arunthathiyar community.
When asked about the Mekedatu dam construction issue, he pointed out that the DMK had sought the central government’s intervention, despite being in alliance with the ruling party in Karnataka. Arjun Sampath suggested that the DMK could resolve the matter by engaging in discussions with their alliance partner, the Congress government. Drawing from the past leadership of MG Ramachandran as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, he highlighted that various river-sharing issues with neighboring states were successfully resolved through dialogue. Arjun Sampath emphasized that the DMK should prioritise the state’s rights over political alliances and not hesitate to consider breaking the alliance if necessary.
Moving on to the NLC land acquisition issue, Arjun Sampath expressed disapproval of the process adopted by NLC, stating that they had rushed into it without proper consideration. He believed that the judiciary’s decision to side with the farmers in this matter was just and fair. In his opinion, the DMK’s handling of the situation demonstrated double standards, suggesting that a smoother resolution could have been achieved if they had been more proactive in finding an amicable solution.
The press briefing also saw Arjun Sampath condemning actor Marimuthu for his insulting remarks against astrologers. He stressed that while some astrologers may be unscrupulous, it does not negate the scientific value of astrology as a whole. He believed that Marimuthu’s comments were insensitive and called for more sensible discourse on such matters.
Regarding NTK Seeman’s controversial comments calling Christians and Muslims the children of ‘Satan,’ Arjun Sampath strongly rejected such divisive statements. He asserted that in India, everyone is a child of Bharat Matha (Mother India), and such inflammatory remarks should be avoided.
The IMK chief expressed his strong disapproval of DMK MP A Raja’s branding of the Arunthathiyar community as scavengers.
Click here to subscribe to The Commune on Telegram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.