Rahul Gandhi accuses BJP of trying to control Tamil Nadu, targets Modi and Shah

Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday accused them of attempting to rule Tamil Nadu from Delhi. He alleged that the BJP was seeking a Chief Minister in the state who would be “compromised” and take directions from the Centre.

Addressing his first election rally at Ponneri in Tiruvallur district while campaigning for candidates of the INDIA bloc, comprising the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and its allies, Gandhi said the BJP wanted a political partner in Tamil Nadu that would allow it to control the state from Delhi.

Advertisement

Drawing a comparison, Gandhi alleged that just as Donald Trump had “compromised” Modi, the BJP was seeking a similarly “compromised” Chief Minister in Tamil Nadu.

He criticised the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, alleging that it had become subservient to the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. “The BJP has destroyed the AIADMK, and it is now a hollow shell. It once had a strong tradition of defending Tamil identity, like the DMK, but that legacy is gone,” he said.

Gandhi urged voters to remain vigilant about the NDA, alleging that AIADMK leaders were under the control of Modi and Shah due to corruption. He claimed that, unlike the BJP, the Congress treats its allies as equals and does not use central agencies to pressure them.

Framing the electoral contest as an ideological battle, Gandhi accused the BJP and RSS of undermining Tamil language, culture, and history. He criticised the “one nation, one leader, one language” narrative, saying it was contrary to the spirit of the Constitution.

Referring to Tamil Nadu’s cultural legacy, he said the state has a history spanning thousands of years and accused the BJP of failing to understand its significance.

He also alleged that the BJP was attempting to erase the ideals of social reformer E. V. Ramasamy and weaken the principles of social justice.

Referring to the recent defeat of the Delimitation Bill, Gandhi claimed that the Opposition had “stopped” the government’s plan, alleging that the move would have reduced Tamil Nadu’s representation in Parliament. He said that India, as a “Union of States,” must ensure that every state retains its voice, identity, and cultural freedom.

Gandhi concluded by urging voters to defeat the BJP and its allies in the elections.