Don't force us to push for separate Tamil Nadu: DMK's A Raja demands autonomy with CM Stalin on stage
DMK MP A Raja on Sunday courted a fresh controversy by urging PM Modi not to force his party to demand a 'separate Tamil Nadu'.
DMK MP from Tamil Nadu, A Raja, on Sunday courted a fresh controversy by seemingly stirring the demand for a 'separate Tamil Nadu'. The statement was slammed by many from the Opposition as being a statement promoting separatist sentiments. What was even more shocking was that the statement was made with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on stage.
Speaking at an event for local body workers of the DMK in Namakkal, Raja said, “I urge the Centre to grant us autonomy. "We shall not stop our fight until Tamil Nadu gets state autonomy.
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He said that their ideological leader, Periyar, advocated a Tamil Nadu separate from India. “However, we have kept that demand aside so far for the sake of democracy and unity of India. I urge Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah not to force us to revive the demand. Please give us state autonomy," he said.
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' ' https://t.co/gFDZoOSrn7 pic.twitter.com/BEapnK60Rq — A RAJA (@dmk_raja) July 3, 2022
He said that his demand was left behind by the Centre economically as well as in terms of employment opportunities. "Till the time we are in India, Tamils will not get any economic growth nor any part in jobs," he said.
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The comments were slammed by BJP leaders, who said that the DMK was harbouring separatist ambitions. BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla tweeted: “It is one thing to oppose a party at Centre but while doing so will you start opposing idea of One India itself?”
DMK MP A Raja in presence of CM Stalin, says "Don't make us demand separate Tamil Nadu"
No outrage by Stalin ji on this TUKDE MINDSET
It is one thing to oppose a party at Centre but while doing so will you start opposing idea of One India itself?
BJP virodh me desh virodh? pic.twitter.com/K3gq1IhaeZ — Shehzad Jai Hind (@Shehzad_Ind) July 4, 2022