Attempts to control TN from Delhi will be thwarted: Vaiko

Trichy: MDMK general secretary Vaiko on Tuesday said the attempt by the BJP to control Tamil Nadu from Delhi will be thwarted by the DMK alliance in the upcoming election.Speaking to reporters after paying floral tribute to B R Ambedkar on his birth anniversary, Vaiko expressed confidence that the DMK-led alliance would secure a sweeping victory in the assembly elections, claiming the alliance will win in as many as 210 constituencies. Vaiko said repeated visits by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Tamil Nadu would not translate into electoral gains for the NDA. Accusing Union home minister Amit Shah of making disparaging remarks against the Dravidian movement, Vaiko said such criticism stemmed from a lack of understanding of its ideological roots. "The Dravidian movement is built on sacrifice and cannot be shaken," he said. He described the current political contest as against "Delhi imperialism" and "Dravidian democracy," alleging that attempts were being made to control Tamil Nadu from the Centre. "These efforts will be thwarted and shattered," he said.Vaiko added that the MDMK had joined the DMK alliance to defend the Dravidian ideology and strengthen the coalition. He also welcomed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's possible campaign visit. Criticising the AIADMK, he said its leaders lacked even a basic understanding of politics.