Ahead of polls, DMK plans tribute to Kamaraj

Though his appeal to the cadre to celebrate the former Congress chief minister’s anniversary with gusto was not new, even his own party men admitted that there was a newfound vigour in their party president’s statement in remembering Kamaraj. In his letter to the party cadre, Stalin almost went on a trip down the memory lane, recalling how an ailing Kamaraj, along with then president VV Giri, had attended his wedding 40 days prior to his death.

Stalin also attempted to reiterate his father M Karunanidhi and DMK founder CN Annadurai’s respect for Kamaraj by citing more than a few instances, especially the etching of Congress symbol at Kamaraj memorial and the caption coined by Karunanidhi during the unveiling of the Congress veteran’s portrait in the Assembly during MGR’s tenure.

Stalin has also announced a tribute at his party headquarters Anna Arivalayam to the same Congress national president whom they had fought and criticized tooth and nail once.

A few party leaders privately conceded that it was also an attempt to win the hearts of a community which has been angered by the custodial killing of a father and son duo in Sathankulam in the incumbent AIADMK regime. Reaching out to the community, which is largely concentrated in its southern strongholds, would guarantee big numbers from the south next year, reasoned a party senior. “There is politics and vote bank calculation in everything. Every party does it. Otherwise why should we celebrate a Congress veteran now,” the leader remarked.

Political commentator Ravindran Doraisamy said, “Anti-Dravidian section is working to turn pro-Kamaraj votes away from DMK. Stalin is trying to negate that.”

CHENNAI: DMK president MK Stalin has urged Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami to immediately distribute Rs 5,000 per family, waive cooperative farm and jewel loans and announce concessions for domestic EB consumers during the lockdown. He also proposed electricity concessions for MSMEs and cancellation of all college semester exams. “It will bode well for the state if the government avoids discussion on allocation of funds for other projects, tenders and projects that could affect the society,” Stalin who is also the Leader of Opposition said.