Vijay Slams BJP’s ONOE Plan

Chennai: The Thamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor Vijay, on Sunday criticised the BJP government’s push for ‘one nation, one election’ as anti-democratic and accused the DMK government of evading the caste census issue. In its first executive committee meeting, presided over by Vijay, TVK also demanded the revival of the Sri Lankan Tamils issue in the state’s political agenda and asserted that the Centre had no authority to interfere in Tamil Nadu’s matters.

The TVK condemned the Centre’s attempt to introduce ‘one nation, one election,’ labelling it a direct threat to democracy. A resolution highlighted that while the DMK claims to follow the path of social justice, it has been evasive about conducting a caste survey, blaming the Union government instead. The party insisted on completing the caste survey within Tamil Nadu.

Another resolution addressed attempts to “saffronise” Tamil heritage by misrepresenting figures like Thiruvalluvar and distinguishing between Thamizhagam and Tamil Nadu. TVK emphasised that linguistic rights are paramount for Tamil Nadu and vowed not to compromise on preserving the mother tongue. The party dismissed the Union government’s ambition to impose a third language in Tamil Nadu, asserting that such efforts would fail given the region’s strong cultural and linguistic identity.

TVK called for a referendum among Sri Lankan Tamils to achieve a permanent solution to their issues, aligning with the Tamil Nadu Assembly’s unanimous resolution from 2011 during J. Jayalalithaa’s tenure as Chief Minister. The party urged that the Union government’s foreign policy regarding Sri Lanka should be formulated in consultation with the Tamil Nadu government.

Addressing local issues, TVK opposed the acquisition of farmers' land by NLC India Limited, demanding employment for the heirs of those who relinquished land and the regularisation of contract workers. The party also criticised the DMK for failing to implement monthly electricity billing as promised, noting that only power tariffs have increased.

In a bid to celebrate Tamil heritage, TVK appealed to the state government to build a large exhibition hall showcasing the legacy of Tamil kings from the Chera, Chola, and Pandya dynasties. The party opposed any Union government attempts to establish a mine in Kanyakumari and highlighted that attacks on Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan navy intensified after the cessation of the Katchatheevu islet to Sri Lanka. TVK stressed the importance of adhering to international laws in handling fishermen crossing sea boundaries.

The party also opposed the Wakf Amendment Bill, 2024, stating it infringes on Muslim rights and disrupts the federal structure of the country. TVK accused the DMK of deceiving the public by promising to abolish NEET and urged the Union government to transfer education from the concurrent to the state list to facilitate the removal of NEET in Tamil Nadu.

Commending the state government’s recognition of ‘Thagaisal Thamizhar Virudhu’ and appreciating the Union government’s establishment of a rocket launch port at Kulasekarapattinam, TVK also called for the initiation of metro rail projects in Coimbatore and opposed land acquisition for the Parandur airport. The party condemned the DMK government for failing to maintain law and order, noting an increase in illicit liquor sales and youth drug addiction. TVK advocated for the closure of Tasmac shops, attributing them to social insecurity and rising crime, and suggested finding alternative revenue sources.

Embracing the legacy of Dravidar Kazhagam founder E.V.R. Periyar, TVK committed to policies promoting women's education, social reforms, social justice, and rationalism. The party pledged to uphold the honest administration and secular principles championed by former Chief Minister K. Kamaraj and continue B.R. Ambedkar’s fight against caste oppression and for communal representation. TVK emphasized its intention to transcend specific identities, fostering unity and social harmony among the people.