Stalin questions Modi on Keeladi, dares EPS on language policy

Pudukkottai/Sivaganga: DMK president and chief minister M K Stalin on Saturday questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not visiting Keeladi during his recent trip to Thiruparankundram, and challenged AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami to take a stand on the state's two-language policy.Addressing election rallies in Pudukkottai and Sivaganga, Stalin asked whether Palaniswami would, in the presence of BJP leaders, affirm that Tamil Nadu would continue to follow the two-language policy advocated by C N Annadurai. "Can EPS ask why more funds were allocated to Sanskrit than Tamil? Can he tell Amit Shah it was wrong to call Sanskrit the source language? Does he have the spine?" Stalin said. He also accused Palaniswami of failing to oppose measures such as the Citizenship Amendment Act and the Waqf Amendment Bill. The proposed FCRA changes are going to target Christians. Has he opposed any of this, even for the sake of the election?" he asked. Criticising BJP leaders campaigning in Tamil Nadu over law and order, Stalin pointed to incidents in BJP-ruled states. Referring to crimes in Uttar Pradesh, including a recent case in Ghaziabad, and past incidents such as the Hathras case, he questioned the BJP's record on women's safety. "BJP has no right to speak about women's safety in Tamil Nadu, where women can travel safely even at midnight. Here, offenders—whether policemen or political functionaries—face action, with cases registered and charge sheets filed promptly," he said. Stalin also questioned why Modi and other BJP leaders had not visited Keeladi. "What is preventing you? Why has the Keeladi excavation report not been released? Why is Tamil's historical pride unacceptable to you?" he asked. Referring to remarks by Union minister Ramdas Athawale that the NDA would form a coalition govt in Tamil Nadu, Stalin questioned why EPS did not respond. He alleged that Union ministers campaigning in the state were supporting Hindi imposition through the three-language formula. "Has EPS opposed this even once?" he asked, adding that funds were being withheld from Tamil Nadu for resisting such measures. Stalin further criticised Palaniswami, alleging that he lacked both ideology and achievements. "He has become subservient to a party that is betraying Tamil Nadu and its people," he said. Earlier, Stalin held a roadshow in the Viralimalai constituency in Pudukkottai district. When asked about actor-turned-politician Vijay, he said the DMK was not concerned about new entrants in the battle.