Stalin hailed as next CM at DMK conclave

“Youngsters should know history. Alexander the Great, who conquered the whole world couldn’t touch Tamil Nadu. The Mauryas, who brought the country under their rule, could not set foot in the state. Similarly, those wielding swords in north (in an apparent reference to the BJP) cannot win anytime in Tamil Nadu,” said Tiruchy Siva, Member of Parliament, in his inaugural address. 

He also reminded Stalin that this is not a ‘vasantha kaalam’ (spring season), but there is a long battle ahead for him. “You have lot more responsibilities now as Periyar statues are attacked and Rath Yatra is organised. But, one crore DMK cadre and 8 crore Tamils are behind you,” he said. 

Stating that Stalin was called ‘Thalapathy’ while in Vellore prison in 1982, the MP said, we are now proud to address you as our Chief Minister.  “Next year, DMK will win elections and Stalin will become the CM. He would then scrap NEET,” he added. 

Former Union Minister Subbulakshmi Jagadeesan said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been snatching away the rights and powers of states. “It was first NEET and then removal of 27 per cent reservation for backward class in PG medical courses,” she said. 

Lashing out at the BJP for advocating ‘one nation, one language and one community’ policy, Subbulakshmi slammed the Centre for forced Sanskritisation and imposing Hindi even on other language speaking states. She further said that the divisive forces cannot destroy the Dravidian parties and their strong Dravidian ideologies. Earlier, MLA Govi Chezhian hoisted the party flag in a 95-foot high pole. A stadium named after Periyar with a seating capacity of around two lakh people has been set up in a 100-acre land for the Erode conference. 

DMK working president MK Stalin, who remained seated on the dais all through the conclave, is expected to address the gathering on the second day of the conference on Sunday.