Tirunelveli (Tamil Nadu), April 13 (IANS) With the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections drawing closer, DMK Deputy General Secretary and Thoothukudi MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi on Monday intensified her campaign, calling on voters to decisively reject the BJP and its allies in the state.

Addressing a gathering at Gangaikondan while canvassing for DMK candidate S. Subramanian in the Tirunelveli Assembly constituency, Kanimozhi accused the BJP-led Union government of consistently denying Tamil Nadu its rightful financial share.

She alleged that Rs 3,600 crore due to the state under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan had not been released, affecting the education of students, particularly those from rural and economically weaker backgrounds. She also criticised the Centre’s handling of welfare programmes, stating that the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which provides crucial livelihood support to rural households, had been weakened due to reduced funding allocations.

“Such decisions directly impact the poor and vulnerable sections of society,” she said.

Kanimozhi further accused the BJP of attempting to impose Hindi on Tamil Nadu, despite the state’s long-standing two-language policy.

Highlighting the success of Tamil Nadu students in competitive examinations, including the UPSC, she said initiatives like the ‘Naan Mudhalvan’ scheme and the emphasis on English education had enabled youth to secure better opportunities.

“While our students are progressing globally, the BJP is trying to force a language that is not part of our policy framework,” she said.

Alleging that the Centre was using financial allocations as a tool of pressure, she claimed Tamil Nadu was being asked to align with policies such as the National Education Policy in exchange for funds. “Tamils cannot be blackmailed or coerced,” she asserted.

Taking a swipe at the AIADMK, Kanimozhi criticised party leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami for aligning with the BJP, stating that the alliance was not in the best interests of the state.

She also highlighted the achievements of the DMK government under Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, stating that the administration had fulfilled its 2021 poll promises and would continue to deliver on its commitments.

For Tirunelveli, she outlined key proposals, including the establishment of a ‘Semmozhi Poonga’, an advanced cancer care centre at the Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital, and the distribution of laptops to students. Expressing confidence in the party’s prospects, Kanimozhi said the DMK would return to power and continue its development-focused governance across Tamil Nadu.

–IANS

aal/vd