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Rise of Udhayanidhi: From movie star to Deputy CM  

Udhaynidhi Stalin started his career as a movie producer and later became an actor….reports Asian Lite News

Udhayanidhi Stalin, the son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who has been appointed the Deputy Chief Minister, is already in the league of leaders from South India who tasted success in cinema as well as in politics, after making a foray into public life.

Udhayanidhi Stalin, who is the Minister for Sports Development and Youth Affairs, will take oath as Deputy CM on Sunday during the Cabinet reshuffle, highly placed sources in the CMO said on Saturday.

He is the third Deputy Chief Minister of the state after his father M.K. Stalin and AIADMK leader, O. Panneerselvam (OPS). He is the third generation leader from the first family of DMK to be in a crucial post in the Tamil Nadu government.

M. Karunanidhi, the DMK patriarch was the Chief Minister of the state for several terms and his son M.K. Stalin became the Chief Minister of the state in 2021. With Udhayanidhi becoming a minister in the Stalin cabinet in December 2022, he became the third generation leader from the party who has become a minister in the state government.

Udhaynidhi Stalin started his career as a movie producer and later became an actor. He entered the film industry as a producer and distributor with his production studio Red Giant Movies making films including Kuruvi (2008), Aadhavan (2009), Manmadan Ambu (2010) and 7aum Arivu (2011).

He subsequently made his debut as an actor in the romantic comedy, Oru Kal Oru Kannadi (2012) and since then continued producing and starring in his own films. He stopped his acting career in 2023 to focus on politics. The DMK family scion is currently the Youth wing president of the DMK and has extensively campaigned across the state during the 2021 assembly elections and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Udhayanidhi Stalin, however, is also known for his controversial remarks. While addressing a conference in September 2023, organised by the Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers Artists Association on the theme of “Eradication of Sanatana”, he remarked that “sanatana cannot be simply opposed, but had to be eradicated” and said that it is against social justice and equality.

Besides drawing widespread condemnation from political parties and leaders for his remarks, Udhayanidhi Stalin’s statement was also slammed by the Madras High Court.

A senior Supreme Court lawyer, Vineet Jindal, also reported the remarks to the Delhi Police, calling them “provocative, inciting and defamatory”. A letter signed by 262 notable citizens was sent to Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud who was requested to see the Supreme Court take up the case on its own.

The Supreme Court subsequently began an investigation into the remarks and on March 4, 2024, during the hearing of a plea, the apex court rebuked Udhayanidhi Stalin over his remarks and questioned why he had approached the court to consolidate the FIRs filed against him after allegedly misusing his right to freedom of speech and expression. Udhayanidhi Stalin, however, somehow managed to steer clear of the mess, and with a “good grip” among the DMK leadership as well as grassroot cadres, he single-handedly managed the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

He criss-crossed across Tamil Nadu during the Lok Sabha polls and connected with the party cadres across the state.

Senthil Balaji to get Electricity portfolio

The Chief Minister has allocated the Electricity portfolio to Senthil Balaji which he was holding along with Excise and Prohibition while he was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on July 14, 2023. Senthil Balaji has, according to sources in DMK, conveyed to the Chief Minister his lack of interest in the Excise portfolio and said that he will hold the Electricity portfolio only.

Interestingly, Stalin has allocated the crucial Higher Education minister portfolio to Govi Chezhian, a Dalit leader and the chief whip of DMK at present.

He is replacing the high-profile minister K. Ponmudi who has been relegated to the relatively less important Forest portfolio.

The elevation of Udhayanidhi Stalin as the Deputy Chief Minister with added portfolios of Planing and Development is one of the major political developments in the Dravidian major. DMK will be entering into a third-generation leadership change with this.

DMK is also inducting Salem North MLA of the party R. Rajendran who is the lone MLA for DMK in Salem district among a total of 11 legislators in the district with the rest of the seats won by AIADMK and PMK. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin had earlier publicly stated the importance of Rajendran in Salem for the party and hence, had indicated his possible elevation as a minister. Rajendran will be allocated the Tourism portfolio that was held by K. Ramachandran, who is dropped from the Cabinet.

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DMK Alliance Takes Lead in Tamil Nadu Early Counting

Wayanad: BJP Tamil Nadu President K. Annamalai campaigns for BJP candidate from the Wayanad constituency, K. Surendran, during a roadshow for the Lok Sabha polls in Wayanad on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. (Photo: IANS/@annamalai_k)

Dayanidhi Maran, former Union Minister and senior leader of DMK is leading from Chennai Central. BJP state president and party star campaigner, K. Annamalai is trailing from Coimbatore Lok Sabha seat…reports Asian Lite News

DMK-led INDIA bloc leads in TN; Kanimozhi, Dayanidhi Maran leads, Annamalai trials Chennai, June 4 (IANS) The DMK-led INDIA bloc is leading in many Lok Sabha seats of Tamil Nadu in the early counting Senior DMK leader and sister of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, Kanimozhi Karunanidhi is leading from the Thoothukudi Lok Sabha seat.

Dayanidhi Maran, former Union Minister and senior leader of DMK is leading from Chennai Central. BJP state president and party star campaigner, K. Annamalai is trailing from Coimbatore Lok Sabha seat. Congress leader and sitting MP Karti Chidambaram is leading from the Sivaganga constituency. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) won 38 out of the 39 Lok Sabha seats. 950 candidates are in the fray for the 39 Lok Sabha constituencies in Tamil Nadu.

Tamil Nadu recorded a 69.72 per cent voter turnout in the Lok Sabha elections, with Dharmapuri posting the highest turnout at 81.20 per cent and Chennai Central recording the lowest at 53.96 per cent. There are 39 counting centres across the state and 38,000 personnel involved in the counting exercise.

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DMK has first copyright on corruption: Modi

PM Modi took a swipe at the DMK, led by Chief Minister MK Stalin and accused the party of being ‘anti-Tamil’…reports Asian Lite News

Lashing out at the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday accused it of keeping the state “trapped” in an old mindset and politics, which is impeding the growth of the state’s youth.

Prime Minister Modi, while addressing a public rally as part of the election campaign for the BJP, took a swipe at the DMK, led by Chief Minister MK Stalin and accused the party of being ‘anti-Tamil’.

“The DMK has the first copyright on corruption. DMK wants to keep Tamil Nadu trapped in old thinking, old politics, the whole DMK has become the company of a family. Due to DMK’s family politics, the youth of Tamil Nadu are not getting a chance to move ahead,” the PM said.

Taking a jibe at the DMK, the PM said that there are three main criteria to get a ticket for the elections in the ruling party.

“There are three main criteria to contest elections from DMK and move ahead in the party. Three main criteria are family politics, corruption and anti-Tamil culture,” the PM said.

He also accused MK Stalin’s party of making people fight in the name of region, religion and caste.

“DMK party makes people fight in the name of region, religion and caste. DMK knows that the day people understand the politics of divide and rule, DMK will not get a single vote. That is why they make people fight among themselves for votes, I have also decided that I will continue to expose this decades-old, dangerous politics of the DMK,” the PM said.

In his campaign 10 days ahead of polling for the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections, the PM drummed up support for two partners in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA)–Pattali Makkal Kachi’s Dharmapuri candidate Soumya Anbumani as well as the New Justice Party’s Vellore candidate AC Shanmugam, who is contesting on the BJP symbol.

Modi also came down heavily on the Opposition INDIA bloc, particularly targeting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s previous comments on “Shakti”.

“INDI alliance people insult ‘Shakti’ and ill-treat women. Everyone knows how DMK treated the late Jayalalithaa. Your blessings for BJP and NDA will protect ‘Sanatan Shakti’ and ensure women’s honour,” the PM added.

With the Navratri festival beginning on Tuesday, the PM, who addressed a public rally in Uttar Pradesh’s Pilibhit said that the country should remember how the INDIA bloc ‘has taken a vow to destroy Shakti’ and those who worship the Goddess will never forgive the Congress and its allies.

The prime minister has been campaigning aggressively in Tamil Nadu. On Tuesday, he had led a massive roadshow in state capital Chennai.

“Chennai has won me over! Today’s roadshow in this dynamic city will remain a part of my memory forever. The blessings of the people give me strength to keep working hard in your service and to make our nation even more developed. The enthusiasm in Chennai also shows that Tamil Nadu is all set to support NDA in a big way,” PM Modi had said in a post on X.

All 39 seats in Tamil Nadu will vote in a single phase on April 19. The counting of votes will be held on June 4. In 2019, the DMK-led alliance swept the Lok Sabha polls in Tamil Nadu, winning 38 of the 39 seats. (ANI)

Stalin likens PM’s visits to migratory birds

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin recently expressed his discontent with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s campaign in the state, drawing a metaphorical parallel between Modi’s visits and the seasonal migration of birds to a sanctuary. Stalin’s critique, delivered through social media platform X, highlighted a series of pressing issues and posed questions regarding Modi’s purported guarantees for the upcoming 2024 general elections.

Stalin questioned Modi’s promises in light of what he perceives as the exposure of the Gujarat model and the Chaukidar role. He likened Modi’s presence in Tamil Nadu during election season to the arrival of migratory birds at a sanctuary, suggesting a transient engagement rather than a sustained commitment to addressing the state’s concerns.

Meanwhile, Stalin also attacked AIADMK and asserted that Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam is an organisation that makes Prime Ministers and Presidents, adding that whenever “democracy is disturbed at the Centre, the DMK organisation changes the government and its history.”

“When AIADMK was with the Union Government, they did nothing good for Tamil Nadu…Edappadi K Palaniswami says daily that Stalin has a dream to become Prime Minister. DMK is an organisation that makes prime ministers. DMK is an organisation that makes presidents. Whenever democracy is disturbed in the Centre, the DMK organisation changes the government and its history,” Stalin said.

When AIADMK has alliance with central government, they will use it for their own purpose. When DMK has alliance with the center, then it works for state, he added.

“Knowing we are going to win all the seats, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami is asking what achievements DMK has made in our regime. I ask Edappadi K. Palaniswami to read news papers every morning after he wakes up,” Stalin said.

He further said that when AIADMK was with the Union government, they did nothing good for Tamil Nadu.

“You (Edappadi K Palaniswami) has a dream where the BJP is saying on one nation, one election, so along with the Parliament election, an assembly election will also be conducted. Nothing happened, as he spread rumours. That’s why he is saying whatever comes from his mouth. After Jayalalitha’s demise, Edappadi K. Palaniswami is losing all elections and you are all going to witness that in the next state assembly election too, DMK is going to get a win for sure. We are going to win in those constituencies ( AIADMK constituencies ) too,” he said.

Stalin further asserted that Edappadi K Palaniswami has said nobody can destroy AIADMK but

“Edappadi K Palaniswami have said nobody can destroy AIADMK. There is noone needed to destroy AIADMK from outside but you (Edapadi Palani Sami), O. Panneerselvam and TTV Dhinakaran is competing to do it (destroy AIADMK), he added.

All 39 seats in Tamil Nadu will vote in a single phase on April 19. The counting of votes will be held on June 4. In 2019, the DMK-led alliance swept the Lok Sabha polls in Tamil Nadu, winning 38 of the 39 seats.

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DMK Manifesto Vows To Clip Governor’s Wings

The manifesto promises an amendment to the Constitution’s Article 361, scrapping of the National Education Policy, 2020, CAA, and “One Nation, One Election” proposal…reports Asian Lite News

Tamil Nadu’s ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Wednesday released its manifesto ahead of the April-May Lok Sabha polls, promising to work to ensure governors are appointed in consultation with the state governments and chief ministers until the gubernatorial office is abolished.

The manifesto promises an amendment to the Constitution’s Article 361 that shields a governor from criminal proceedings, scrapping of the National Education Policy, 2020, the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), and the “One Nation, One Election” proposal.

The promises related to gubernatorial office come against the backdrop of the DMK government’s frequent run-ins with governor RN Ravi. The DMK has accused Ravi of being an agent of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ideological fount Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

The state government accused Ravi of attempting to run a parallel government as it approached the Supreme Court on Monday against his refusal to swear in K Ponmudi as minister after the court suspended his conviction this month in a disproportionate assets case.

The DMK, which is part of the Opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), has promised statehood to the Union territory of Puducherry and exemption of aspirants from Tamil Nadu from the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). It has pledged Indian citizenship for Sri Lankan Tamils and a Supreme Court bench in Chennai, the elimination of toll plazas on the National Highways, Minimum Support Price for farmers, educational loan waivers and LPG cylinders at ₹500, petrol at ₹75 and diesel at ₹65.

The manifesto says key institutions such as the Supreme Court, the Comptroller and Auditor General, the Central Bureau of Investigation, the Reserve Bank, the University Grants Commission, the Indian Medical Council, the Election Commission of India, and the Union government’s educational boards were in peril under the BJP government. “After a change in administration, these Constitutional institutions will operate autonomously and without political interference, as designed in the Constitution.”

The DMK said if the INDIA bloc is voted to power, the new Union government would re-establish the Planning Commission to draft plans based on the requests of state governments. It says the INDIA alliance government will review all “people-unfriendly laws” introduced over the last 10 years and that education and healthcare will be included on the state list. “The introduction of the Uniform Civil Code will be strictly prevented to preserve the secular nature of India as stated in the Constitution’s preamble,” the manifesto says.

The DMK promised to work for having written and oral examinations in Tamil and other state languages for all Union government jobs and examinations conducted by bodies such as the Union Public Service Commission. “Tamil will be declared as a Co-Official Language in Union government offices in Tamil Nadu, ensuring that all Union government offices, institutions, and nationalized banks in Tamil Nadu operate in Tamil as well, with relevant amendments to Section 343 [official language] of the Indian Constitution to be introduced by the new government,” it said.

“The new government in the Union will issue orders to accept Tamil as a court language in the Madras High Court. The completion of the Sethusamudram Project, to ensure the economic development of southern Tamil Nadu and to secure the nation’s safety, will be a priority for the new government formed in the union, promising decisive actions.”

Lawmaker Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, who headed the DMK’s election manifesto committee, toured across Tamil Nadu to draft it. DMK president and chief minister MK Stalin released the manifesto along with the list of the Lok Sabha elections.

INDIA bloc finalised its seat-sharing pact in Tamil Nadu on Monday. DMK is fighting on 21 out of the state’s 39 seats. The Congress will contest nine seats in Tamil Nadu and the lone seat in Puducherry. The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), a Dalit party in the state, the Communist Party of India (Marxist), and the Communist Party of India, got two seats each.

The Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) are contesting one seat each. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the DMK-led alliance swept the Lok Sabha polls in the state, winning 38 out of the 39 seats.

The BJP has been trying to make inroads into Tamil Nadu even as no national party has been able to make a mark in the southern state since 1967.

EC directs action against Karandlaje

Meanwhile, The Election Commission of India has directed the Chief Electoral Officer of Karnataka to take immediate action against Union Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje for claiming that ‘the suspect involved in the March 1 blast at the Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru was from Tamil Nadu’, officials said.

“ECI has directed CEO Karnataka to take immediate and appropriate action on the complaint of DMK against the alleged violation of MCC by BJP leader and Union Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje while addressing reporters in Bengaluru, Karnataka,” the poll commission said on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, Shobha Karandlaje while speaking to the reporters, said that “one guy comes from Tamil Nadu, takes training there, and plants a bomb at Rameshwaram Cafe.” DMK filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India on Wednesday over her remarks.

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CAA: DMK Questions Amit Shah on Fate of PoK Muslims

DMK asked Centre what will happen to those living in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) who want to come back to India as they are all Muslims…reports Asian Lite News

Amid the debate on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) spokesperson TKS Elangovan on Thursday asked the Centre what will happen to those living in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) who want to come back to India as they are all Muslims.

“Pakistan occupied Kashmir, which means the people living there are Indians. What will happen to those people who want to come back, they are all Muslims but aren’t they Indians? If they are not Indians are you playing double games?” he said.

“It shows their hatred towards Muslims. All their activities are only to show that Muslims don’t belong to this country. They don’t apply their minds while bringing any bill, that’s the problem,” he added.

Congress leader Pramod Tiwari also hit back at Amit Shah over his remarks on CAA and said that it was the Bharatiya Janata Party who always opposed the refugees.

“It (CAA) was passed in 2019, so were you waiting for the election to be announced? Secondly, their (refugees) number is up to 2.5 crores, that is, countries like Australia and Canada. India has a large population, unemployment is the highest in 40 years, and inflation is skyrocketing. After that, how will you give rights to these people who will come here? who will give them jobs?” he said.

Further, he pointed out that Congress objects to the government using the boundary of religion in this law.

“The one who has been an Indian and now wants to come back should be welcomed here. By bringing up the topic of religion it proves that you want to polarize,” Pramod Tiwari added.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured persecuted refugees from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan to have faith in the Narendra Modi government and said that under the rules of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), everyone will be given equal rights as they will now become citizens of India.

“There are a lot of people, there is no count as of now. Due to the wrong campaign going on, many people will hesitate to file an application. I want to assure everyone to apply here and have faith in the Narendra Modi government that you will be given citizenship with retrospective effect. This law is accepting you as a refugee. If you have entered India illegally, there will be no criminal case against you…There is no need for anyone to get scared. Everyone will be given equal rights as they will become the citizens of India,” Amit Shah said in an interview with ANI. (ANI)

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Congress Condemns Ally DMK Leader’s Remarks

The DMK leader A. Raja earlier stoked a row by stating that Tamil Nadu will never accept BJP’s ideology of “this is Jai Sri Ram, this is Bharat mata ki jai.”…reports Asian Lite News

Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) criticised the comments made by DMK’s MP A Raja, a member of their INDIA bloc, regarding Lord Ram.

Raja’s statement, allegedly shared by the BJP, suggested that India is not a nation but a subcontinent, and he referred to himself as an enemy of Lord Ram.

Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate vehemently disagreed with Raja’s remarks, condemning them as inappropriate.

She emphasised that Lord Ram transcends communities and religions, representing ideals of dignity, ethics, and love. Shrinate emphasised the need for restraint in discussions and distanced herself from Raja’s statement.”

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey condemned his remarks, alleging that he is “mentally sick” and needs to be treated well.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) and the DMK are allies in the INDIA bloc.

“Even Ravana didn’t believe in Lord Rama, but we saw what his conclusion was. Whether one believes in the Lord or not, he exists all across the universe and in our hearts. If someone stupid doesn’t know about Lord Rama, I pray that he gets blessed with wisdom. May Lord Rama enlighten those who question his existence,” Dubey said while speaking to ANI.

Anand Dubey further said that the INDIA bloc condemns and dismisses Raja’s remarks.

“The INDIA bloc dismisses and condemns his remarks. We are a part of the INDIA bloc, united to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). People like A Raja, who do not possess any knowledge and are mentally sick, need to be treated properly. If there are no good hospitals in Tamil Nadu, there are in Mumbai or Delhi. Get them treated,” he stated.

“I urge Stalin ji (DMK Chief and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin) to restrict his leaders from making such statements,” added the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader.

The DMK leader has stirred a fresh controversy after Bharatiya Janata Party IT cell head Amit Malviya posted the said speech of DMK’s A Raja made in Madurai with the translation saying, “India is not a nation. Understand this well. India is never a nation. One nation means one language, one tradition and one culture. Then only it is one nation. India is not a nation but a subcontinent. What’s the reason? Here, Tamil is one nation and one country. Malayalam is one language, one nation and one country. Oriya is a nation, a language and a country. All these nations make up India. So, India is not country it is a subcontinent. There are so many traditions and cultures. If you come to Tamil Nadu, there’s a culture. In Kerala, there’s another culture. In Delhi, there’s another culture. In Oriya, there’s another culture. Why in Manipur, as RS Bharathi said, they eat dog meat. Yes, it is true, they eat. That’s a culture. There’s nothing wrong. It’s all in our mind.”

As per Malviya, A Raja also said that he could not accept the BJP’s ideology.

“If you say it’s this God, this is ‘Jai Sri Ram’, this is ‘Bharat mata ki jai’, then we and Tamil Nadu will never accept Bharat Matha and Jai Shriram…I don’t believe in Ramayanam but as per story this is Kamba Ramayanam,” said the DMK leader.

Several BJP leaders have also questioned the remarks of the DMK leader.

In response to Raja’s remarks, BJP leader and former union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said, “He said that we will never accept ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’…Do Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge agree with this? Will DMK use such derogatory comments against deities of other religions? We respect all religions…”

Union Minister Anurag Thakur alleged that the DMK leader was part of the ‘tukde tukde’ gang.

“They are the people who abuse Hindi, talk about ending India, support the ‘tukde tukde’ gang and raise slogans of ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ after their leader wins the Rajya Sabha elections. They are the people who want to destroy the Indian culture. They have formed the INDI alliance but their arrogance is coming out. What was the compulsion that they had to raise slogans of ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ and support the ‘tukde tukde’ gang, not just once but a lot of times,” Thakur said.

Meanwhile, Tejashwi Yadav, leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), which is also an ally in the INDIA bloc, said that it was his personal statement and does not reflect the view of the alliance.

“This is his personal statement. It is not ours (INDIA Alliance),” said Yadav. (with inputs from agencies)

MP: Kamal Says Congress Will Win 12-13 Seats

Veteran Congress leader Kamal Nath said on Tuesday that he believes the party will win 12 to 13 Lok Sabha seats (out of 29) in Madhya Pradesh in the upcoming general elections.

Claiming that he is making this assertion after reviewing the state’s current political situation, the former Chief Minister said that he has been talking to the party leaders across the state to take stock of the ground realities, adding that he will soon start visiting different parts of Madhya Pradesh.

“I believe that the Congress should win at least 12 to 13 Lok Sabha seats in Madhya Pradesh,” Kamal Nath said during a press conference in Ujjain on Tuesday.

Responding to BJP’s claims of winning all the 29 seats in Madhya Pradesh, the Congress leader said that political parties make tall claims to set the momentum ahead of elections.

“All the political parties contest elections with a strategy, and make tall claims to set the momentum. But it has nothing to do with the reality. The BJP has always been making tall claims,” Kamal Nath said.

In the last two parliamentary elections in 2014 and 2019, the BJP had won 27 and 28 out of the 29 seats in Madhya Pradesh, respectively.

The only seat the the BJP lost in 2019 was Chhindwara, the home turf of Kamal Nath from where his son Nakul Nath had won.

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Modi slams DMK for ad showing rocket with Chinese flag

The Prime Minister highlighted the proposal for AIIMS to be built in Madurai while accusing the state government of ‘non-cooperation.’…reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi targeted the ruling, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in Tamil Nadu over a newspaper advertisement of the state government that allegedly showcased a ‘Chinese rocket’.

The Prime Minister accused the DMK of ‘looting’ people’s tax money and alleged that the state government insulted the scientists of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) who were part of the country’s successful space missions, including Chandrayaan-3.

“DMK is a party that does not work but stands ahead to take false credit. These people paste their stickers on our schemes. Now they have crossed the limits, they have pasted China’s sticker to take credit for the ISRO launch pad in Tamil Nadu,” PM Modi said while addressing a gathering in Tirunelveli.

The Prime Minister alleged that the DMK is ‘not ready’ to accept India’s progress in the space sector.

“They are not ready to accept India’s progress in the space sector and with the taxes that you pay, they give advertisements and do not even include a picture of India’s space in it. They did not want to present India’s space success in front of the world, they insulted our scientists, our space sector, and your tax money. Now it’s high time that the DMK is punished for their deeds,” Modi said.

He further lashed out at the Congress and DMK and accused the alliance parties of engaging in ‘dividing’ the nation.

“Children, old people, youth, women, poor and middle class, every section, every society of Tamil Nadu is coming with BJP with full confidence today. People of Tamil Nadu are looking at BJP with great hopes. People are seeing how BJP has taken forward the positive politics of sensitivity and social justice in the country,” he said.

“This immense love and trust of Tamil Nadu is a big responsibility for us. People see how the BJP has promoted the positive politics of sensitivity and social justice. I guarantee you, the BJP will leave no stone unturned to rise up to your expectations,” PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister highlighted the proposal for AIIMS to be built in Madurai while accusing the state government of ‘non-cooperation.’

“Today, if the country moves forward 100 steps, then Tamil Nadu should also move forward with the same speed, this is Modi’s resolve. Therefore, if we have opened many new AIIMS in the country in the last 10 years, then we are going to open AIIMS in Madurai also,” he said.

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister inaugurated, laid the foundation stone of and dedicated to the nation multiple development projects worth Rs 17,300 crores in Thoothukudi.  (ANI)

‘I don’t think India has declared China an enemy country’

DMK MP K Kanimozhi came to the party’s defence after Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the state government’s newspaper advertisement allegedly showcasing ‘China rocket’ picture.

“I don’t know from where the person who did the artwork found this picture,” Kanimozhi said while speaking to reporters outside Chennai airport on Wednesday.

New Delhi, Feb 8 (ANI): Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi speaks in the Lok Sabha during the Budget Session of Parliament, in New Delhi on Thursday. (ANI Photo/Sansad TV)

“I don’t think India has declared China an enemy country. I have seen that the Prime Minister has invited the Chinese PM and they have gone to Mahabalipuram. Just because you do not want to accept the truth, you are finding reasons to divert the issue,” the DMK leader said.

Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai hit out at the ruling DMK for allegedly using a ‘China rocket’ picture in a newspaper advertisement promoting the proposed second launch pad of ISRO in the state.

“This advertisement by DMK Minister Anita Radhakrishnan to leading Tamil dailies today is a manifestation of DMK’s commitment to China and their total disregard for our country’s sovereignty. DMK, a party fighting high on corruption, has been desperate to paste stickers ever since the announcement of ISRO’s second launch pad in Kulasekarapatinam was released,” Annamalai said in a post on X. (ANI)

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DMK, CPI Seat-Sharing to be Finalised Early Next Week

DMK flag

The CPI Lok Sabha party leader and Member of Parliament from Tiruppur, K. Subbarayan said that the party will finalise its seat-sharing with the DMK leadership on March 3….reports Asian Lite News

The DMK will finalise its seat-sharing arrangement with its alliance partner CPI on March 3.

The CPI had contested and won the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Tiruppur and Nagapattinam seats in alliance with the DMK. Both were part of the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) in 2019 and now it is the I.N.D.I.A block in 2024.

The CPI Lok Sabha party leader and Member of Parliament from Tiruppur, K. Subbarayan told IANS on Tuesday that the party will finalise its seat-sharing with the DMK leadership on March 3.

He, however, refused to elaborate on whether the CPI will be getting the same seats that it had contested and won in 2019 or whether there is a change in constituencies.

The DMK has refused to allocate the sitting Coimbatore Lok Sabha seat to the CPI(M) and the seat-sharing discussions between the two parties have hit a roadblock due to this.

The DMK-led front had won 38 out of the 39 Lok Sabha seats from Tamil Nadu in 2019, and DMK President and Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu M.K. Stalin had directed the party cadres, district and state leaders to work hard for a total sweep in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

AIADMK undecided on alliances

The AIADMK leadership is uncertain on the political alliance it has to forge for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

After cutting ties with the BJP-led NDA in Tamil Nadu following differences of opinion with the state BJP President, K.Annamalai, the AIADMK is in political uncertainty on new combinations and permutations.

While the party leadership has travelled across Tamil Nadu and met people before its manifesto was finalised, the party is unable to stich in a credible alternative to DMK.

The AIADMK, which is the principal opposition party of Tamil Nadu, had more than 33% vote share in the 2021 assembly polls and is planning to win a few seats from the state in the Lok Sabha elections.

Party general secretary and Leader of Opposition in Tamil Nadu assembly, Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), had recently met a senior leader of Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) and also Vijayakanth’s party Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK).

However, sources in AIADMK told IANS that the meeting with these political parties were not as expected and EPS said that more discussions will be conducted as expected.

It may be recalled that in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, AIADMK in alliance with NDA could garner only one seat — Theni which AIADMK leader P. Ravindhranath won defeating senior Congress leader and former Union Minister, EVKS Elangovan.

After breaking up the alliance with the BJP, the AIADMK is expecting secular votes in its kitty and is tryingn to align itself with the PMK at any cost as it is the political arm of the powerful Vanniyar community which can have a a major say in the Western region of Tamil Nadu.

Sources in AIADMK told IANS that hectic bargaining was taking place behind the scenes and major decisions will be taken soon.

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DMK Allots 2 Seats to Allies

An agreement was signed with DMK’s long-time ally, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and Kongunadu Makkal Desiya Katchi…reports Asian Lite News

The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu on Saturday sealed the seat-sharing agreement with its two alliance partners.

Weeks after initiating seat-sharing talks with allies for the Lok Sabha elections, an agreement was signed by the Chief Minister and Party president, MK Stalin.

DMK’s long-time ally, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has been allotted the Ramanathapuram Parliament Constituency.

The Namakkal Parliament constituency has been given to Kongunadu Makkal Desiya Katchi.

This marks the first announcement from DMK to its allies.

Meanwhile, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar on Saturday issued a stern warning to political parties, emphasizing a “zero-tolerance policy” towards the “misuse of money” during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

CEC chief accompanied by senior officials of the Election Commission of India, on Friday commenced his two-day review of Tamil Nadu’s preparedness for the Lok Sabha elections.

Addressing a press conference CEC chief on Saturday asserted that the Election Commission determines to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections.

“The Commission is extremely determined and all the collectors, all the enforcement agencies have been told about this that we want an inducement free elections. Free, fair, and transparent elections,” CEC Rajiv Kumar said.

CEC Rajiv Kumar, along with Election Commissioner Arun Goel and other key officials, arrived in Chennai to oversee the preparatory activities. Their visit was part of the Election Commission’s effort to ensure the integrity and transparency of the electoral process.

The delegation met representatives from various recognised political parties. The discussions encompassed crucial aspects such as polling station arrangements, and the implementation of the electoral code of conduct.

Annamalai stresses anger against DMK

Hitting out at the DMK government a day after a prominent leader from the ruling ally Congress switched sides, the BJP’s Tamil Nadu president K Annamalai on Sunday said the MK Stalin-led regime was facing public ire with each passing day.

Speaking to ANI on Sunday, the BJP leader, who is the party’s poster boy in a state where it has yet to make any electoral inroads, said, “The public anger against the DMK government is on the rise every single day.”

“As we speak, the Delhi Police Narcotics Cell has busted a Rs 2,000 crore drug smuggling attempt. The kingpin is a member of the DMK’s NRI cell. The main accused in drug smuggling appears in photographs with CM MK Stalin, Udayanidhi Stalin and the first family,” he added.

Annamalai was referring to the international drug trafficking gang that was busted in a joint operation conducted by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Delhi Police’s Special Cell.

According to NCB, the mastermind of the international drug trafficking gang was identified as a Tamil film producer who is on the run.

Annamalai alleged that ever since DMK formed the government, drug abuse has been on the rise in the state.

“We are demanding a thorough probe into this and the CM should direct the state police to fully cooperate with the Delhi Police in this probe and issue a white paper after the probe, about the connection of the accused with the first family,” he said.

On his ‘En Maan En Makkal’ padayatra, Annamalai said every BJP worker is looking forward to the concluding function of the padayatra in Palladam, which is likely to be graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“The ‘En Maan En Makkal’ padayatra reached the 232nd constituency today and two more constituencies will be covered by the day after tomorrow. Each of us is looking forward to the concluding function in Palladam where PM Narendra Modi is expected to participate. We believe this is going to be a turning point in Tamil Nadu politics,” he said. (ANI)

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DMK agrees to give 7 LS seats to Cong in TN

Sources said that the Congress state leadership is expecting Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi will intervene and ask the DMK Chief to give the party a few more seats…reports Asian Lite News

DMK has agreed to give seven Lok Sabha seats to Congress instead of 16 seats, which the grand-old party had demanded.

The Congress had contested nine seats in the 2019 general elections by being an alliance partner in the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) led by the DMK.

The party had won eight seats while losing the Theni Lok Sabha seat where O.P. Raveendranathan of AIADMK won the seat by defeating senior Congress leader E.V.K.S. Elangovan.

Sources said that the Congress’ list of candidates was too large and the DMK team led by T.R. Baalu conveyed to the Congress leadership that it can only consider giving no more than seven seats.

Earlier, DMK District Secretaries had conveyed to the party leadership that the Congress must be restricted to a smaller number of seats as it has limited strength on the ground.

Sources said that the Congress state leadership is expecting Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi will intervene and ask the DMK Chief to give the party a few more seats.

A senior DMK leader said that the strength of the Congress is minuscule in almost all the constituencies and that even the seven seats they got are more than sufficient.

Rahul Gandhi resumes yatra

Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi resumed his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Prayagraj on Sunday. The Wayanad MP abruptly halted his ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi on Saturday and rushed to Wayanad, prompted by public protest over the death of residents in wild elephant attacks.

On Saturday, a massive protest was witnessed in Pakkam, near Pulpally in Wayanad district. According to Kerala Forest Minister AK Saseendran, the victim was attacked when the elephant ventured into a residential area near Mananthavady.

However, the Kerala government announced Rs 10 lakh compensation and also assured a job to one of the family members of the deceased.

The Congress leader also wrote a letter to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan requesting decisive action over the incident.

Today, Rahul Gandhi will go forward through Katra, Netram, Lakshmi Talkies, Teliarganj and the Soraon area of the city.

Rahul’s Yatra will stop at Harisenganj and after an overnight stay at Sakramau in Mauaima, the Yatra will enter Pratapgarh district on the next day.

On Saturday, Rahul Gandhi pressed on the strength of working together while addressing the party’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Varanasi.

He asserted that the true devotion to the country lies in bringing the country together. He also claimed that members of BJP and RSS also came to the Yatra adding that he never saw hatred during the entire Yatra.

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