‘Confusion’ between DMK and DMK Congress: BJP targets Indian bloc over Rahul, Sonia’s absence; attacks DMK’s ‘family rules’

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Coimbatore ahead of the Tamil Nadu assembly elections to campaign for the BJP candidates, Tamil Nadu BJP president Nanal Nagendran said on Saturday while claiming there was “chaos” between the state’s ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the Indian National Congress.Addressing reporters at Udhagamandalam in Nilgiris district, Nagendran claimed that senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi were not actively campaigning or openly supporting Chief Minister Stalin despite the increased pace of campaigning.“There is confusion between DMK and Congress in Tamil Nadu. So far, neither Rahul Gandhi nor Sonia Gandhi have come to congratulate the chief minister or campaign. I don’t know if they have such understanding,” he said.Nagendran also said that as the BJP steps up preparations for the assembly elections, Modi will campaign in Coimbatore to support the BJP candidates.The BJP leader claimed that several welfare measures being implemented in Tamil Nadu are funded by the Centre, but are expected to be state government initiatives.“The central government provides all goods in fair price shops. But the state government says we will provide them. Likewise, they say the houses are constructed through the central government but the state government does the same,” he added.Nagendran defended the women’s reservation initiative and accused the state government of opposing the policies introduced by the Centre.“They believe that if the 33 per cent reservation bill is proposed for women, it will go against democracy and the country will be divided. There has been a stance since 1996 that women should be given reservation. The state government is opposed to any plan proposed by the central government,” he said.“Providing 33 per cent reservation to women is a welcome thing. Those who block this will only invite opposition from women,” he said.Nagendran stepped up his criticism of the DMK leadership, accusing the ruling party of pursuing dynastic politics and alleged that Stalin was appointing deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin for future leadership posts.“Chief Minister Stalin’s plan is to appoint Udayanidhi Stalin as the next chief minister. Udayanidhi Stalin has said that he will not enter politics during 2020-2021 and is currently running for election. Udayanidhi Stalin has now been appointed as the deputy chief minister. Currently, Tamil Nadu has family rule and the entire income of Tamil Nadu goes to one family. The people of Tamil Nadu are paying attention to this,” said.Nagendran also supported the proposal to increase the number of Tamil Nadu Lok Sabha seats from 39 to 59, saying that increased representation would help improve public service delivery.“Even after 75 years of independence, nothing has changed in the Parliament. Changes are needed now, especially in Tamil Nadu,” he said.He added that any failure of the bill in Parliament had nothing to do with state elections.Replying to a question about actor-politician Joseph Vijay and his comments on the electoral race, Nagendran called the statement “very unfortunate”.