Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and other dignitaries at the function held to mark the centenary of late Periyarist V. Anaimuthu.
| Photo Credit: Special arrangement
DMK youth wing leader and Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Friday charged the BJP of casting its net wide in the State looking for “new slaves” not satisfied with old ones. “The BJP could not get the support of the people directly. And so, it is attempting to enter Tamil Nadu by threatening the AIADMK, riding on its shoulders,” he alleged.
Speaking at a function to mark the centenary of late Periyarist V. Anaimuthu, Mr. Udhayanidhi contended that the BJP’s “dishonest practices” had not worked with the people of Tamil Nadu. “Even if the BJP comes with the support of any number of slaves, Tamil Nadu would yet again prove it is a land of self-respect in the 2026 Assembly poll,” he said.
“What is the status of the AIADMK today? Mr. Edappadi Palaniswami has taken the AIADMK on rent and has let the BJP to sublet the party. We are observing the centenary celebrations of the Self-Respect Movement. But, Mr. Palaniswami would not even know the meaning of self-respect. He not only changes cars, he keeps falling at different pairs of feet,” Mr. Udhayanidhi alleged.
The Deputy Chief Minister also took a dig at Governor R.N. Ravi over his recent statements. “Mr. Ravi has said he was attempting to learn Tamil. If only Tamil Nadu had not carried on a struggle, Governor Ravi may not be speaking Tamil today. In fact, we would be speaking in Hindi.” Charging that the Governor has started his ‘election campaign’, he said: “Intending to carry out an electoral campaign for the fascist BJP, he is campaigning for us too.”
Recently, Mr. Ravi referred to the political slogan ‘Tamil Nadu Poradum, Tamil Nadu Vellum’ and asked “who were we struggling with”, recalled Mr. Udhayanidhi Stalin. “I have answered him earlier. Mr. Ravi, it is with you, Tamil Nadu will struggle. We will win.”
Recalling the actions against late social reformist ‘Periyar’ E.V. Ramasamy, Mr. Udhayanidhi said: “Tamil Nadu will struggle for the State’s rights, for social justice, against religious fanaticism, certainly against caste-based discrimination, and against the imposition of Hindi. In a sentence, Tamil Nadu will always struggle against the fascist Union BJP government.”
The Deputy CM said: “It was Periyar who led the first struggle against the imposition of Hindi as early as 1937. Since then and to this day, a gang is attempting to somehow impose Hindi in Tamil Nadu.”
Recently, the Union BJP government attempted to force the National Education Policy (NEP) in Tamil Nadu. Other States have accepted it. But, only the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister stood in the way. “Why because if it is accepted, you will attempt to impose Hindi in Tamil Nadu. He opposed it because along with Hindi, Sanskrit will be imposed too.”
Referring to Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan’s statement over the NEP and the funds due to Tamil Nadu from the Union government, Mr. Udhayanidhi Stalin recalled the Chief Minister’s stand against the NEP that even if they provided ₹10,000 crore, he would not let NEP into Tamil Nadu. “The fascists could not win. If our Chief Minister, our leader has won, it is not only his victory. It is Thanthai Periyar’s victory. Even to this day, it is Thanthai Periyar who keeps winning. And that is why this is Tamil Nadu, Tamil Nadu’s politics.”
Contending those who were protesting against the BJP across the country, were in fact hailing late leaders Periyar, late leaders and former Chief Ministers C.N. Annadurai and M. Karunanidhi, Mr. Udhayanidhi said: “Thanthai Periyar has seasoned Tamil Nadu politically.”
Published – October 11, 2025 12:02 am IST
