Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has accused Tamil Nadu’s ruling DMK of exploiting emotive issues of language and Dravidian identity to shield itself from allegations of corruption, caste violence, and crimes against women.
The Finance Minister described the DMK’s arguments about Dravidian interests as a “bogus” diversion. She said the party has no answers for mounting concerns over graft, drug abuse, and caste-based violence in the state.
"Their (DMK) time is spent on not looking at these incidents but bringing separatist logic. They allege their tax money is going to Bihar. Is Bihar in Pakistan? People from Bihar can work in your factories. You can make your profit. But you want to keep your tax money to yourself. Separatist mindset dominates the so-called Dravidian model of politics," said Sitharaman, a native of Tamil Nadu.
Highlighting caste-based violence, she cited incidents such as pollution of Scheduled Castes’ water sources with human excreta and recurring honour killings. "My blood boils at times," she said.
She also criticised the DMK family’s dominance in the state, alleging links with a drug smuggler and pointing to corruption charges against ministers. Sitharaman contrasted this with the Modi government’s initiatives in Tamil Nadu, including ports, highways, and central educational institutions.
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"People can see the pioneering role being played by the Modi government in the development of the state," she said. She further condemned the widespread substance abuse among youth, including spurious liquor deaths, as a failure of the DMK’s proclaimed social justice agenda.
On allegations regarding language and Dravidian interests, Sitharaman said, "How do they define Dravidianism. Are they not part of India? Who are Tamil Nadu BJP leaders? Are they not part of Tamil Nadu."
She also referred to the December rape incident at Anna University, questioning the administration’s handling and noting alleged links between the accused and the DMK.
Sitharaman praised the legacy of women in Tamil Nadu politics, citing former chief minister J Jayalalithaa, while asserting that the DMK cannot justify its ideological claims amid rampant caste-based crimes.
Asked about internal matters in the AIADMK, she refrained from commenting, affirming that the party remains united under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.
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