Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Wednesday warned students against embracing divisive ideologies and urged them to reject the path of Nathuram Godse.
“We have several paths including those taken by Gandhi, Ambedkar and Periyar. But we should never take the path of Godse group,” he said, addressing the students at Jamal Mohamed College in Trichy. His remarks were widely viewed as a firm ideological appeal to reinforce secular and inclusive values among the youth.
The Chief Minister also called on students to join the vision of ‘Oraniyil Tamil Nadu’ (Tamil Nadu as One), a 45-day statewide campaign launched by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam to “expose the betrayal” of the Union Government towards the state. Addressing the gathering, Stalin emphasised the importance of unity, social justice, and scientific progress in building a stronger Tamil Nadu.
“If Tamil Nadu stands united, no one can defeat us. I’m not speaking politics but letting students know about politics,” he said, underlining the political significance of collective identity and action.
He went on to assert that his government’s initiatives, including the ‘Naan Mudhalvan’ skill development scheme and the Rs 1000 monthly financial assistance to girl students, were instrumental in transforming the Tamil community into a science-based society. He credited these reforms to the Dravidian Model of governance.
“We got education only because of our leader’s social justice struggle allowing education for everyone. Everything is for everyone is our Dravidian Model. I request students to join as ‘Oraniyil Tamilnadu’,” said the Chief Minister, echoing the name and ethos of his party’s recent poll campaign.
The campaign began on July 1, flagged off by Chief Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president MK Stalin, and was formally rolled out across the state on July 3. The campaign will trace the two ends of Tamil Nadu, Palaverkadu to Kanyakumari and Anaikattai to Nagapattinam, covering all 234 assembly constituencies.
Key issues to be highlighted during the campaign include the Union Government’s non-recognition of the Keeladi archaeological findings and the alleged withholding of central funds for the state’s education sector.
Calling it a ‘first-of-its-kind’ exercise, the DMK said it would directly reach out to two crore households through door-to-door campaigns, public meetings, and rallies. A statewide membership drive, including both new enrolments and renewals, will also be conducted simultaneously.
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