M.K. Stalin. File
| Photo Credit: L. Balachandar
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Saturday (February 15, 2025) said he considered the views of the DMK’s alliance partners as advice and not as confrontation. “Differences of opinion will be there in a family, workplace, and all other places. Expressing views is part of democracy,” he said in his message through the ‘Ungalil Oruvan’ programme.
Mr. Stalin said the DMK-led alliance had been contesting elections together since 2019, and it remained a role model for India in fighting and winning the battle against the BJP. “Differences of opinion have not affected our relationship,” he said.
Reacting to former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami’s remarks that the outcome of the Delhi Assembly election was a severe blow to the Opposition, he said Mr. Palaniswami’s view only reflected that of the BJP’s. “As I have said already, he has lent his voice for dubbing. He has proved our argument that he has an illegitimate alliance with the BJP. He has to ponder over his party’s defeat before making such comments,” the Chief Minister said.
‘Speedy justice in sexual assault cases’
On the recent cases sexual assault against women in Tamil Nadu, he said the government had taken stringent action against the culprits, irrespective of the positions some of them held. “I have already introduced a bill in the Assembly for stringent punishment against crimes against women. We have ensured speedy justice. Those who commit crimes against women should think about similar incidents in their families,” he added.
The Chief Minister said he would also follow messages on social media when he had the time. “I would follow the comments rather than the news. I take the good ones and leave the bad ones behind. If there are genuine requests, I will forward them to ministers and officials for redressal,” he said.
Mr. Stalin remarked that social media had a lot of food reviews by youth visiting hotels and restaurants. “They should also give priority to fitness,” he commented.
District tours
The Chief Minister said when he toured the districts of the State, he would interact with people, traders, and students, and they showed a lot of interest in these meetings. “They submit petitions with the hope that the government would find a solution to their problems. We try to find solutions to most of their problems. If a solution is not found, we inform the petitioners about it. My tours in the districts are fulfilling and give me a lot of energy,” he said.
Mr. Stalin said the imposition of President’s rule in Manipur was “a delayed decision” and the Chief Minister [Biren Singh] was left with no option but to quit. “The release of the audio clip is proof that the Chief Minister is also behind the violence, and the Supreme Court has ordered an inquiry. Whether it is in Uttar Pradesh or Manipur, the law and order situation remains the same. But the BJP is shamelessly blaming other States,” he said.
Published – February 15, 2025 02:44 pm IST
