Chennai, September 10 (Daily Kiran) : In a recent video message, MK Stalin, the DMK president and former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, responded to comments made by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay regarding the Sarkaria Commission during the latest assembly session. Stalin acknowledged that recent events have stirred anger among Tamils and party workers.
Stalin clarified that the history of his imprisonment is a significant part of this controversy. He confirmed that CM Vijay’s statements were accurate, stating, “There is no lie in what he said.” He recounted that following a large protest against the MISA law on January 30, 1976, the then DMK government was dismissed.
He detailed the events surrounding his arrest, explaining that police came to his home in Gopalapuram to detain him immediately after the government was dissolved. At the time, he was not home, and his father, the late Kalaignar Karunanidhi, informed the police that he was out campaigning and would return the next day. Upon his return, Kalaignar instructed the police to arrest him.
Kalaignar, a revered figure in Tamil Nadu’s political and cultural landscape, is often referred to as “Kalaiyannar,” meaning “art scholar.” This title was bestowed upon him for his multifaceted contributions.
In his message, Stalin described the harsh conditions he faced during his imprisonment, including being held in a facility for leprosy patients, where he was brutally beaten and deprived of sleep. He recalled the tragic death of his colleague, MP Chittibabu, who was also severely beaten in jail, resulting in a broken jaw for Stalin himself.
Stalin asserted that anyone fighting for Tamil rights has faced similar oppression, a legacy of the DMK since the days of Anna, whom Vijay claims as an ideological leader. He expressed pride in being part of this history, insisting that no one can alter the past. He encouraged those with doubts to visit the assembly library to review documents detailing his struggles.
Addressing the Sarkaria Commission, Stalin remarked that Vijay has repeatedly echoed the accusations of those harboring animosity towards Kalaignar. He pointed out that numerous governments have changed at both the state and central levels since the commission’s establishment. If there were any truth to these allegations, he argued, actions would have been taken.
Stalin highlighted that 95% of cases initiated by the Enforcement Directorate are politically motivated. He noted that leaders from the Congress party, part of Vijay’s coalition, have also faced ED investigations. He questioned how Vijay could overlook this while labeling the central government as his ideological adversary.
In his message, Stalin reminded Vijay of the Tamil Nadu assembly’s dignity, a place shaped by many great leaders. He urged Vijay to focus on discussions about advancing Tamil Nadu and safeguarding the state’s rights.
He recalled a moment when Vijay visited his home after becoming Chief Minister, extending a hand in welcome and apologizing for harsh campaign criticisms. Stalin expressed disappointment that Vijay seems to have forgotten this gesture.
Stalin accused Vijay of using the assembly for photo opportunities instead of serious governance, claiming the administration operates like a film set, misleading the public to cover up inefficiencies. He criticized the deteriorating law and order situation, citing daily thefts and crimes against women. He claimed that the cancellation of the Parandur airport project has regressed Tamil Nadu’s development by 15 years and criticized the inadequate implementation of loan waivers for farmers.
Concluding his message, Stalin reminded his party cadre that the DMK has never accepted defeat in losing power. He emphasized the need to continue fighting for Tamil Nadu’s development and rights, regardless of their political status.
The assembly session witnessed significant uproar following CM Vijay’s serious allegations of corruption against the previous DMK government and references to the Sarkaria Commission and other historical matters.
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