KANIMOZHI INTERVIEW: WHEN ELECTION COMES, BJP BRINGS ICE | Chennai News

BJP is misusing Income Tax, CBI and Enforcement Directorate, says DMK deputy general secretary Kanimozhi Karunanidhi who predicts a DMK win in 2026. In an interview with Julie Mariappan, the DMK MP says the Dravidian model govt is inclusive and serves everyone, while BJP is against Tamil-speaking Hindus. Excerpts:Q: Will it be Dravidian ideology versus Hindutva in the 2026 election?In Tamil Nadu, a majority are believers, though forms of worship vary. There is also a clear understanding here that religion should not mix with politics. Faith is seen as personal and not a reason for animosity. This has allowed people to live in harmony. I do not believe people would want to disrupt this, nor do I see elections in Tamil Nadu turning into a Hindutva versus Dravidian ideology contest. Minorities recognize Tamil Nadu as one of the safest places in India. Q. Has DMK fulfilled its poll promises?We have fulfilled most of our Assembly election promises. Many Parliament election promises could not be implemented because our alliance did not form the Union govt. Our committees recommend only what is achievable, in keeping with the CM’s focus on delivery.Our manifesto is a vision document, not just an election list, aimed at long-term empowerment. Kalaignar introduced marriage assistance for girls who completed Class X. Today, most girls complete Classes X and XII. At its core, marriage assistance was about education, which is true empowerment.Q: Rivals accuse DMK of failing to implement many of its poll promises including waiver of educational loan, 5.5 lakh jobs in govt.We can waive education loans and cut fuel prices only when we are part of the Union govt. The govt does not heed the opposition’s suggestions. Tamil Nadu also faces unfair fund devolution. Because the state has not accepted the new education policy, student-related funds amounting to thousands of crores have not been disbursed.Q: AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami says it’s the “final year” of the DMK.I’m worried about the AIADMK. I hope this isn’t their final year as a party. They’ve already become a B team or B3 team of the BJP. I hope the entire party doesn’t end up being run by the BJP.Q: How do you see Vijay’s entry? When I’m talking about a party, I want to know its ideology, what it stands for, and its stance on issues such as MGNREGS. I have no idea about their positions on issues.Q. Vijay invokes former chief ministers MGR and J Jayalalithaa to brand DMK an evil force.Labelling someone as evil might sound appealing to children. What defines purity, and what defines evil? When Jayalalithaa referred to the DMK as evil, it came with “baggage”. She mentioned it as “parambarai pagai”, which holds particular meaning given the DMK’s identity as a Dravidian party. If Vijay intends to uphold this legacy, many people say it is BJP-sponsored. If you’re claiming to continue a legacy that portrays Dravidians as an evil force, I am curious about the origins of this.Q: How does DMK plan to address growing demands for power-sharing among partners, especially Congress?In Tamil Nadu, we’ve never had a coalition govt in many decades. The party leader will decide on this.Q: Vijay seems to appeal to Gen Z voters. I don’t believe people vote en masse. There is strong political awareness in Tamil Nadu. Young people are aware of what they want and who will best secure their future. Our breakfast scheme was implemented not for votes, but for the health and well-being of children. From the moment a child enters school, we ensure they are cared for. As they graduate, programmes such as Pudhumai Penn and Tamil Pudhalvan support them, while Nan Mudalvan enhances their employability.Tamil Nadu was not doing well in sports, but now our athletes are excelling, thanks to govt support. Climate change and sustainability are major concerns for young people today, and the govt is actively addressing these issues. The govt is also a strong supporter of young entrepreneurs and startups, fostering confidence in the youth. When young people reflect on these efforts, they will support the govt.Q: BJP leader K Annamalai says DMK is against the Hindu community.The HR&CE (Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments) department has not demolished temples; instead, it has conducted kumbabishekam (consecration ceremonies) at thousands of temples. In Tirunelveli, the chief minister announced the completion of the Nellaiappar Temple car work, and the temple car festival will soon take place. Thousands of acres of temple lands have been reclaimed. I am curious to know who these Hindus are that they (BJP) are referring to. The Dravidian model govt is inclusive. In Tamil Nadu, where a majority of the population are Hindus, initiatives such as the free bus scheme for students and free education for first-generation graduates have been implemented without caste discrimination. They (BJP) are against Tamil-speaking Hindus.Q: Thirty-six ex-judges of various courts slammed DMK’s decision to pursue the impeachment of Justice G R Swaminathan.There was misrepresentation in some sections of the media. There were 13 charges levelled against the judge, sent to Chief Justice of India and the President. Since there was no action against the charges, we moved the impeachment motion. Q: BJP leaders’ allege corruption by TN govt, citing ED probes/Whenever elections approach, BJP brings in ‘ICE’ (Income Tax dept, CBI and ED). It’s part of their election strategy. People don’t take these cases seriously. Perhaps we should add another ‘E’ to ‘ICE’ – and that’s Election Commission. I want to question BJP about its contributions for the country. India has regressed in numerous indicators including the global hunger index. The NDA govt is anti-worker, as evidenced by the labour code laws, and has shown a lack of support for farmers. What is happening in BJP-ruled states? Look at Tamil Nadu: a state with significant progress, 11.9% growth rate, and 14% manufacturing growth rate. Q: Will the M K Stalin-led DMK register a consecutive victory like AIADMK did under MGR and Jayalalithaa?DMK will return to power. The govt’s schemes have been inclusive. Under the Thayumanavar scheme, CM ensured rations reach those who struggle to access PDS shops. Pudhumai Penn, Tamil Pudhalvan and Naan Mudhalvan helped young people pursue their dreams. I am inspired by the model schools. The govt has also responded to the long-standing demand of differently abled people for political representation, a milestone in their fight for recognition.