Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Wednesday participated in a protest organized by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in Egmore, Chennai, condemning Israel’s ongoing strikes in Gaza. The protest, which saw significant participation from DMK alliance workers and supporters waving Palestinian flags, comes amid growing concerns over civilian casualties in the conflict.
Speaking to the media at the event, CM Stalin described the situation in Gaza as a “humanitarian” crisis and called for an immediate halt to the Israeli operations. He said, “We should not see the Gaza strike by Israel as an issue between other countries. It must be seen as a humanitarian issue…All arrested must be released…I condemn the attack against the Gaza people and appeal immediately to stop the strike by Israel…The Israeli strikes against Gaza are worrisome not only to us but also globally… the striking act against the UN agreement should be stopped immediately by Israel…”
Highlighting the human cost, Stalin added, “In the past one year, Israel’s attacks on Gaza has increased. So far, about 11000 women and 17000 children, 175 journalists, 125 UN officials – more than 50,000 people have died. 26000 children have lost their parents, over 1 lakh people have been injured and hospitalised. In short, in one year the majority of Gaza’s land has been destroyed, and people are still protesting against Israel’s encroachment there. To illustrate the atrocities happening there, this past June, Israel shot down 45 hungry Palestinians who were seeking food, the heart pains seeing all of this. How can anyone not condemn the crimes against humanity, how can we be quiet? Another news came a few days ago, to provide food and medicines for the Palestinian people and food for children, caught in the brink of death, volunteers from 47 countries were prevented and arrested by Israel. Can we keep quiet when they break the international laws? Israel should immediately stop the attack. The BJP-led Union government should take steps to pressure Israel to stop the strike immediately and to bring peace in Gaza.”
Stalin further noted that a resolution condemning the Israeli attacks and calling for an immediate ceasefire will be introduced in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly session, reflecting the sentiments of the state’s people.
The Chief Minister’s direct engagement in a foreign policy matter has raised eyebrows, as India’s Constitution grants the central government exclusive authority over international relations. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had welcomed progress in peace efforts in Gaza, highlighting the release of hostages as a significant step and affirming India’s continued support for efforts toward lasting peace.
The protest in Chennai, attended by a large crowd, underscored Tamil Nadu political leaders’ vocal support for Palestine, but experts say state-level interventions in foreign policy matters can breach federal norms.
The DMK’s anti-Israel stand also exposes the hypocrisy of a party that often accuses others of mixing religion with politics. At a time when Tamil Nadu is struggling with mounting fiscal stress, industrial slowdown, farmer distress, and rising crime, the Chief Minister’s decision to prioritise street protests on foreign affairs rather than addressing urgent governance issues reflects distorted political priorities.
Critics argue that this episode once again highlights the DMK’s tendency to divert attention from its administrative failures by resorting to populist theatrics and identity-driven politics. With the state facing mounting challenges, Tamil Nadu’s citizens might well ask: Should their Chief Minister be focusing on Gaza — or on governance at home?
(With inputs from ANI)
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