Campaign speech in Thoothukudi
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, speaking at an election campaign meeting in Thoothukudi, said his party would “never allow” the BJP to control Tamil Nadu or its people.
Condolences and federalism pitch
He began by expressing condolences to those who died in a fireworks factory accident in Virudhunagar and offered sympathy to their families. Citing the Constitution, he said India is a union of states, each with its own history, culture and language, and that all states have equal rights.
Allegations against RSS and BJP
Rahul alleged that the RSS is opposed to Dravidian identity and the Tamil language, and claimed it promotes the idea of “one nation, one language, one culture and one religion.” He framed the election as an ideological contest, placing the DMK-Congress alliance on one side and the AIADMK-BJP alliance on the other.
AIADMK, Bihar example, and social justice claims
He said the AIADMK once had a distinct legacy of serving Tamil Nadu but alleged it is now under the control of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, claiming its leaders have compromised due to corruption. Referring to Bihar, he alleged the BJP sidelined Nitish Kumar and installed a BJP leader as chief minister, warning that a similar attempt could be made in Tamil Nadu.
Remarks on Modi and welfare promises
Rahul also claimed former US President Donald Trump “controls” Modi and alleged Modi calls him “sir,” adding that Modi wants Tamil Nadu’s chief minister to address him similarly, which he said Chief Minister M.K. Stalin would not do. He highlighted Tamil Nadu’s tradition of social justice, credited K. Kamaraj with laying foundations for public education and the midday meal scheme, and said the Congress introduced MGNREGA, alleging the BJP has weakened it. He also listed proposals including a registration fee concession for first-time women property buyers in Tamil Nadu, Rs 6,000 per year for landless farmers, and Rs 2,000 per month for persons with disabilities and senior citizens.
