DMK must retain power for Tamil Nadu’s growth, BJP bought AIADMK: MK Stalin

TIRUVARUR: Chief minister M K Stalin launched his campaign for the upcoming assembly polls from Tiruvarur on Tuesday stating that DMK must return to power to ensure Tamil Nadu’s protection and development.Stalin, who symbolically began his campaign from his late father M Karunanidhi’s native town, said the upcoming election was a contest between ‘TN and Delhi’. “If we want to protect TN and keep it on the path of development, DMK must return to power and continue its governance. If TN should not become a land of violence and unrest, BJP–AIADMK alliance must be uprooted and defeated,” he said.Stalin claimed DMK was fighting for not only its own victory and that of its alliance, but also for the victory of TN. Stalin alleged the sole aim of NDA is to stop TN’s growth and destroy the development achieved under the Dravidian model. He said, “BJP does not have the courage and strength to oppose us. Hence they bought the AIADMK.”On DMK’s poll manifesto, Stalin said the promises including the Rs 8,000 coupon scheme would be implemented without fail.“I am Kalaignar’s son. I will fulfill what I say and do what I do not say as well,” he said.Training his guns on AIADMK, Stalin said the opposition party’s general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, has become ‘BJP’s branch secretary.’ He also accused that EPS of copying DMK’s welfare initiatives in AIADMK’s manifesto.“But now he laments that we copied from him,’’ Stalin said adding that BJP has ‘intimidated and kept EPS in their alliance.’