CHENNAI: The oft-repeated corruption allegations against the DMK were purely imaginary as none of them was proven with evidence, said Chief Minister and party president MK Stalin, mocking whether the BJP had washed the AIADMK in its ‘washing machine’ to get rid of the corruption charges.
Addressing a conclave in Chennai on Friday, Stalin said Tamil Nadu had ensured balanced development across all districts, including second- and third-tier cities and rural areas. "Tamil Nadu follows a broad political vision that prioritises social justice, communal harmony and the welfare of the people," he said.
Questioning corruption allegations against his party, Stalin asked whether any of the charges had been proven with evidence. "All accusations against us are imaginary," he said. Turning his criticism towards the BJP, he pointed out that leaders of the AIADMK — now an ally of the BJP — had been convicted by the Supreme Court in corruption cases. "When the AIADMK was not part of the alliance, the BJP accused it of corruption. Have they washed them clean using their 'washing machine' now," he asked.
Rejecting the allegation that the DMK was anti-Hindu, Stalin said his government had consecrated nearly 4,000 temples since coming to power, more than in several BJP-ruled States.
He also brushed aside the criticism of dynastic politics, stating that anyone could enter politics, but success depended on earning the trust and mandate of the people. "The charge of dynasty politics against us is an old one. Ultimately, only the people's confidence and votes decide who succeeds," he said.
"I responded to all the questions raised by the BJP, but they did not answer my questions on pending education funds, approval for Metro Rail projects and the Keezhadi excavation report. These form a list of betrayals by the BJP," the Chief Minister said.
"We speak about unity, but the BJP speaks about uniformity and practises fascist politics." He asserted that the Union government must realise that states are the foundation of the country and that India is a Union of states.
Criticising the NDA in Tamil Nadu, Stalin said it was a coalition of compulsion formed out of selfish interest and without any clear policy. Questioning NDA allies, he asked why they failed to raise their voice against issues such as NEET exemption and other centrally imposed schemes. "How can they claim to speak for Tamil Nadu's welfare?"
Terming the coming election a contest between Tamil Nadu and the NDA, Stalin said the people were watching an alliance "built on cases and selfishness" and would give it a fitting reply at the polls. "The people of Tamil Nadu will respond with a decisive defeat to the NDA," the Chief Minister said.