The DMK leader renewed his criticism of Sanatanam while urging the ruling TVK and opposition parties to work together for development
Leader of Opposition and DMK MLA Udhayanidhi Stalin on Tuesday revived the anti-Sanatanam debate in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, reiterating his earlier stand that “Sanathanam, which separated people, should be eradicated.” His remarks came during a speech in which he also called for political civility and cooperation between the ruling government and the opposition for the development of the state.
Addressing the House, Udhayanidhi said that despite political differences, all parties should work together in the interest of Tamil Nadu. Referring to recent political interactions, he noted that Chief Minister Vijay had received wishes from DMK president MK Stalin and several other leaders after taking office.
“Even if we sit in different rows as ruling government and opposition, we all should work together for the development of Tamil Nadu,” he said.
The DMK leader also raised objections over the sequence in which the Tamil Nadu state song and Vande Mataram were played during official functions. Referring to the recent swearing-in ceremony of Chief Minister Vijay, Udhayanidhi said opposition parties had expressed concern that the Tamil state song was played after Vande Mataram.
“But at the West Bengal Chief Minister’s oath-taking ceremony, Vande Mataram was not played. You all know who the Governor is there. The government should not allow this to happen again. Our Tamil Nadu state song should never be pushed to the second spot,” he said.
Recalling the previous DMK government’s tussles with former Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi, Udhayanidhi stressed the need to protect Tamil identity and traditions. He also welcomed the increased representation of women legislators in the Assembly and said the DMK would function as a “healthy opposition” in the House.
During his speech, Udhayanidhi also urged Chief Minister Vijay to consider suggestions from the DMK, citing the party’s long administrative experience. “The CM and I studied at the same college. We would like to share our experience and knowledge. The CM should also accept our suggestions,” he said.
The remarks came a day after Chief Minister Vijay met DMK president MK Stalin and Udhayanidhi Stalin at the latter’s residence in Chennai. The meeting marked Vijay’s first interaction with the DMK leadership after taking oath as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister following the formation of the TVK-led government in the state.
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Vijay’s principal advisor John Arokiasamy is also a Loyola College alum. Anyone who has been to this college in the last 20 years will not be surprised at the reemergence of anti-Hindu and anti-Brahmana sentiment among the political class. More to the point, what did the BJP MLA do in response? You said, “nothing”? Congratulations – you just won the Periyar Medal.
p.s. All those folks on WhatsApp who are gushing about “Brahmin Minister in Vijay’s cabinet” – you think your “Brahmin minister” will have the balls to have a go at Udayanidhi tomorrow in the assembly?