'People not ready to vote for you': Kanimozhi targets NDA during campaign in Tamil Nadu's Madurai

DMK MP Kanimozhi on Thursday targeted the NDA during a campaign in Madurai, saying people in Tamil Nadu were not ready to vote for the BJP-led alliance and were instead backing the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA). Campaigning for DMK candidate Bhoominathan in the Madurai South constituency, she said voters would support those who could protect the future of Tamil people and their children. “People are not ready to vote for you (NDA). They are prepared to support the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and our alliance, which is capable of fulfilling the promises it has made under our Chief Minister. The people are ready to vote for those who will safeguard the future of Tamil people and Tamil children,” Kanimozhi said.She described the DMK-led alliance as policy-based and not driven by political convenience. Taking a swipe at AIADMK leader Edappadi Palaniswami, she said his party had earlier ruled out any tie-up with the BJP but was now allied with it. "Our alliance is a policy-based alliance. It is not a shifting or opportunistic alliance. It is a people-centric coalition that will continue its journey with commitment and stability. Years ago, Edappadi Palaniswami had declared that he would never, under any circumstances, form an alliance with the BJP. But today, they are standing together on the same stage, hand in hand. They come to seek votes based on such contradictions," she added.Kanimozhi also rejected the BJP’s claim that the DMK was “anti-Hindu”, pointing to temple work carried out by the state government. “The BJP claims that the DMK is against Hindus. However, the reality speaks otherwise. Under this government, more than 4,000 temples have undergone consecration ceremonies (Kumbabhishekam)… this stands as clear evidence,” she said.On welfare schemes, she said the government had delivered on its promise of monthly financial assistance for women. “In the last election, we promised to provide Rs 1,000 as a monthly assistance to women, and we fulfilled that promise… in the next term, if we return to power, this assistance will be increased to Rs 2,000,” she added.She also criticised the Centre over rising LPG prices and supply concerns, questioning the “Make in India” push. "Even after the war, many countries have continued to function without any shortage of gas cylinders. However, under Prime Minister Modi's 'Make in India' claims, even LPG cylinders are not truly made in India but are largely imported from abroad. As a result, today there is uncertainty about how long gas supplies will last. Many lodges and restaurants are struggling; the price of gas has nearly doubled, putting them under severe financial pressure," she said.Kanimozhi said the DMK was approaching voters with “pride and confidence”, asking for support based on its work over the past five years. Tamil Nadu will vote in a single phase on April 23 across 234 constituencies, with counting scheduled for May 4.