Senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, intensified his criticism of the BJP and its allies during a campaign rally in Kanniyakumari, Tamil Nadu, ahead of the Assembly elections. Addressing a large gathering, he accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of spreading division in society and undermining the country’s unity, while also alleging that the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) has compromised its independence.
Rahul Gandhi claimed that the AIADMK leadership has effectively aligned itself with the BJP, suggesting that corruption pressures have forced the party into submission. According to him, this relationship has turned the AIADMK into a political pathway for the BJP to expand its influence in Tamil Nadu, a state where regional identity and Dravidian politics have traditionally played a dominant role.
He also criticized the ideological stance of organizations like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), alleging that they do not support the principles of Dravidian ideology. Gandhi argued that there is an attempt to impose a uniform identity across the country, including a single language and cultural framework, which he believes contradicts India’s diverse nature.
Highlighting his vision for the country, Rahul Gandhi reiterated that India is a “union of states,” where each region should have the autonomy to preserve its culture, language, and traditions. He stressed that equality among states is a fundamental principle of the Constitution and must be respected in both policy and governance.
Referring to his nationwide outreach initiative, the Bharat Jodo Yatra, Gandhi said the journey from Kanyakumari to Kashmir was aimed at promoting unity and understanding among people. He described India as a rich blend of different cultures, religions, and languages, emphasizing that these differences should be celebrated rather than suppressed.
The Congress party also raised concerns over what it described as the misuse of central agencies during the election period. Party leaders alleged that Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K. Selvaperunthagai was prevented from carrying out his duties due to an Income Tax Department operation conducted at a crucial time. According to the party, such actions were politically motivated and intended to disrupt campaign activities.
Meanwhile, senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram responded to remarks made by AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami regarding the Women’s Reservation issue. Chidambaram strongly rejected the claims, stating that the legislation had already been passed as part of the Constitution through the 106th Amendment in 2023. He described the criticism as baseless and urged political opponents to refer to the actual provisions before making statements.
the political atmosphere in Tamil Nadu is becoming increasingly intense as parties sharpen their attacks ahead of the elections. Rahul Gandhi’s remarks reflect a broader ideological contest between the Congress and the BJP, focusing on issues such as federalism, cultural identity, and democratic values. As campaigning continues, these debates are expected to play a key role in shaping voter sentiment across the state.
