Time to end autocratic rule: Leaders

The function attended by top leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Vice-President of the Congress and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, General Secretaries of CPI (M) and CPI, Sitaram Yechury and S Sudhakar Reddy, TMC MP Derek O’ Brien and Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy, among others, took place on a stage at the YMCA grounds in Royapettah, which was designed to replicate the facade of the State Legislative Assembly. NCP leader Sharad Pawar, and National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah had deputed their representatives - NCP MP Majeed Memon and Leader of Opposition of J&K Omar Abdullah. 

The ‘ mahagatbandhan ’, an obvious but unstated agenda, came to the fore when the leaders walked on to the stage, held hands and posed for a picture in a show of unity. Speaking at the event, Rahul Gandhi said Karunanidhi reflected the views of the people in his writings and speeches. Coming down heavily on the BJP led central government, he called for a united fight against communalism and fascism. “One day we will speak about Stalin as we speak about Karunanidhi today,” Rahul said. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said Karunanidhi is a tall leader who fought for social justice for the downtrodden and backward classes, and added DMK Working President MK Stalin is expected to lead the next government in Tamil Nadu and urged him to implement liquor prohibition in the state. 

The loudest cheers were reserved for Stalin who was among the last to speak. Criticising the Centre for its autocratic actions on imposition of Hindi and beef ban, the DMK working president warned the Centre not to prompt its subjects to take up another struggle for Independence. “BJP is installing religious leaders as head of the States, and is on the road to saffronisation. The anti-secular stand of the Centre has united the Opposition, and we will stand united in protecting the country,” he said. “If Karunanidhi was active, he would have readied us for this battle,” added Stalin to thunderous applause and cheers.

The crowd too stayed till the end, hanging on to the words of all the speakers. “We are more than glad that national leaders have come. This will infuse more strength in our party,” said Lakshman, who had come from Villapuram. “We will romp back to power and none would be able to stop us,” cheered Anwar from Tirunelveli.