The Aryavarth Express:
Tenkasi (Tamil Nadu), April 12: Kanimozhi Karunanidhi on Saturday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to create religious discord in Tamil Nadu, urging voters not to allow the party any political space in the state.
Campaigning in Alangulam for DMK candidate Manoj Pandian, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader said that fostering communal tensions would disrupt peace for both majority and minority communities. She stressed that maintaining social harmony was essential for the state’s stability.
https://www.youtube.com/@aryavarthnews/videos
Kanimozhi also alleged that the BJP was taking undue credit for welfare schemes implemented by the Tamil Nadu government. Referring to the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G), she claimed that the state contributes a significantly larger share of funding than the Centre, despite the scheme being promoted as a central initiative.
According to her, Tamil Nadu provides a majority share of the funds for housing under the scheme, along with additional financial support for construction, wages under MGNREGS, and sanitation assistance through the Swachh Bharat Mission.
Highlighting development work in the region, Kanimozhi said projects worth around Rs 50.5 crore for drinking water supply have been completed. She also pointed to the establishment of a government women’s college and a ready-made garment manufacturing cluster for women.
She further promised new initiatives, including a dedicated pipeline-based drinking water project from the Marudhamputhur river, a new transport depot, and improved infrastructure in government schools with smart classrooms.
In the upcoming contest, DMK candidate Manoj Pandian is set to face K R P Prabakaran of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). Actor-turned-politician Vijay is also entering the fray with his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), fielding Vibin Chakkaravarthy.
The election is expected to see a key contest between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance and the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance, with TVK’s debut potentially turning it into a three-cornered fight.
