Erode (Tamil Nadu), April 15 (IANS) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Wednesday underscored the importance of unity among his Congress, the DMK, and the INDIA bloc members, asserting that a cohesive alliance was essential to ensure good governance and maintain peace in the country.

Campaigning for Congress candidate Gopinath Palaniyappan in Tamil Nadu’s Erode (East) Assembly constituency, Shivakumar accused the BJP of attempting to create divisions in southern India along linguistic and religious lines.

He urged voters to reject such “divisive politics” and instead support parties committed to inclusive development.

Highlighting the role of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge in strengthening the opposition alliance, Shivakumar, who is also the Karnataka Congress unit chief, said the INDIA bloc had emerged as a strong and credible platform capable of delivering stable and people-centric governance.

He added that the Congress-DMK partnership had stood the test of time and continued to enjoy public trust. Pointing to the contribution of southern states such as Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to the country’s economic growth, Shivakumar alleged that the Union government had not given due recognition to their role.

He said the DMK-led alliance would foster an industry-friendly environment while simultaneously prioritising welfare measures for the common people.

Invoking the legacy of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, he said the “Dravidian model” had laid a strong foundation for social justice and development in the state.

Later, addressing the media, Shivakumar expressed confidence that the DMK-led alliance would secure a two-thirds majority in the upcoming Assembly elections. He claimed that the people of Tamil Nadu had already made up their minds to vote for the ruling alliance, citing the government’s welfare schemes and governance record over the past five years.

He also announced that senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Kharge, would visit Tamil Nadu for campaigning after the special session of Parliament.

Responding to criticism from AIADMK chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami, Shivakumar said such remarks reflected the opposition’s fear of the long-standing Congress-DMK alliance. He cautioned youth and women against being swayed by rhetoric, stating that only experienced parties could ensure sustained development.

On the Mekedatu dam issue, he said the matter was sub judice and would be handled in accordance with legal procedures.

He also questioned the timing of the Centre’s proposed increase in Lok Sabha seats alongside the women’s reservation bill, alleging it was driven by political considerations.

–IANS

aal/vd