The rift between the DMK and its allied political parties appears to be widening, particularly following recent sharp criticisms from Muthazhagan, President of the South Chennai Central District Congress Committee. He drew parallels between the ruling DMK and the oppressive British government during the pre-independence era, reminding them that their power is largely due to Congress support.
In honor of Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday, the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee organized a peace rally for social harmony across the state. In Chennai’s MGR Nagar area, over 100 Congress officials and volunteers participated in this rally, initiated by Velachery assembly member Hassan Maulaana. The rally commenced near the MGR Nagar Market, proceeded through Ashok Nagar, and concluded at the Kamaraj Statue in Jafferkhanpet.
After paying tribute to Kamarajar statue with a garland, Muthazhagan addressed the press, stating that the rally was inspired by Rahul Gandhi’s call for equality and unity beyond caste and religion. He highlighted that the Congress party has been actively conducting peace rallies to express concerns to Prime Minister Modi since early last month.
Muthazhagan noted the challenges faced during the organization of this rally, particularly the Tamil Nadu government’s refusal to permit a peace procession led by TNCC president K. Selvaperunthagai . He criticized the DMK government for requiring approval for their activities, despite being part of the same alliance.
Muthazhagan said, “The regime that is ruling here is the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, which is a part of our I.N.D.I alliance. Even though we are allies for every gathering and flag hoisting event it seems like getting permission from the British. I will not blame the police personnel, but the rulers ruling should know that it is with our support the regime is able to function and you should not forget that.”
Then he emphasized that the DMK should not overlook the party’s significant contribution to the alliance’s success in the last parliamentary elections, where they won all 40 constituencies. Muthazhagan asserted that the Congress party has not sought any special favors or positions and urged the DMK to consider the upcoming 2026 assembly elections carefully, fostering good relations with allied parties. He stated that the Congress party is committed to the India alliance’s success in opposing anti-people rulers and emphasized the need for a unified approach.
Muthazhagan warned that, “In the 2021 state assembly elections, the vote difference between us and the ADMK was 1.5%. So, even if in the parliamentary election result we have won all 40 seats, the ruling government should not forget and keep in mind that the votes belong to the Congress.” He also pointed out that while Chennai is traditionally a DMK stronghold, the last election in T. Nagar was won by a narrow margin of just 137 votes, noting that the Congress party holds at least 5,000 votes in each constituency.
He also mentioned that the police denied them permission for a peaceful rally. When Congress went ahead anyway, the police threatened to arrest them by deploying numerous personnel and buses. He called out the hypocrisy of the DMK, saying, “You can’t refer to Rahul Gandhi as a brother there while suppressing our voices here.”
காங்கிரஸின் தயவினால் தான் தி.மு.க ஆட்சியில் இருக்கிறது என்பதை அவர்கள் மறந்துவிடக்கூடாது
தென்சென்னை காங்கிரஸ் கமிட்டி தலைவர் முத்தழகன் பேட்டி#DMKFailsTN pic.twitter.com/YGMFv5RyAj
— Bagavath Pratheep (@Bagavathprathee) October 10, 2024
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