Chennai, July 5 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Opposition leader Udhayanidhi Stalin on Sunday reaffirmed the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam’s (DMK) commitment to protecting minority communities, asserting that the party would continue to resist divisive politics and remain steadfast in safeguarding their rights and interests.
He said the relationship between the DMK and minorities was rooted in mutual trust and could not be weakened by politically motivated campaigns.
Addressing a gathering at the wedding reception of the granddaughter of DMK Headquarters Secretary ‘Thuraimugam’ Kaja in Thiruverkadu, Udhayanidhi Stalin added that the party had consistently stood by minority communities and would continue to do so in the future.
He stressed that the DMK’s secular principles and inclusive approach remained central to its politics.
Making an apparent reference to former aides without naming anyone, the Opposition leader remarked that while “some people left us as soon as a sofa arrived”, loyal party workers and members of minority communities had remained firmly with the DMK through every political challenge.
The unwavering support of minorities, Udhayanidhi Stalin said, reflected the strength of the party’s enduring relationship with the people.
He accused political opponents of attempting to create divisions through misinformation but maintained that such efforts would not succeed.
“No matter who tries to separate us or what slander is spread, the DMK will always remain a protective fortress for minorities and the Islamic community,” he said.
Referring to the current political situation, Udhayanidhi Stalin said that former Chief Minister and DMK President M.K. Stalin would continue to stand by the people, safeguard Tamil Nadu’s interests and provide strong leadership during challenging times.
He also told the gathering that he was representing the former Chief Minister at the event, as his father M.K Stalin, who was originally scheduled to attend, could not do so.
The event also witnessed a rare moment of political cordiality as Udhayanidhi Stalin personally escorted Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) chief coordinator Seeman, who was among the guests at the wedding, reflecting the cordial atmosphere that prevailed despite political differences.
Recalling ‘Thuraimugam’ Kaja’s long association with the DMK, the current Opposition leader narrated an incident from the 1989 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
Kaja, then an AIADMK candidate contesting against the late DMK Patriarch M. Karunanidhi from the Harbour constituency, had congratulated Karunanidhi even before the counting was completed by personally garlanding him, a gesture that reflected political civility despite being electoral rivals.
He said Kaja later joined the DMK and became one of its dedicated functionaries.
Udhayanidhi Stalin added that former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin often refers to Kaja and senior party leader Poochi S. Murugan as the “two pillars of Anna Arivalayam”, the DMK headquarters, in recognition of their unwavering service to the party.
The wedding was attended by senior DMK leaders, party workers and a large number of members of the Islamic community, providing Udhayanidhi Stalin with an opportunity to once again underline the DMK government’s commitment to minority welfare and its promise to uphold inclusive and secular governance in Tamil Nadu.
–IANS
aal/khz