CHENNAI: The first death anniversary of former Chief Minister and DMK stalwart M. Karunanidhi saw the coming together of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and DMK chief M. K. Stalin in taking on the Centre for bifurcating Jammu and Kashmir “without taking the concerns of the people.”
Slamming the Centre for bifurcating Jammu and Kashmir after scrapping Article 370, Stalin said the special status should not have been revoked and claimed that the BJP was spreading communal hatred. “DMK is clear on the Kashmir issue. We want an election to be conducted in Kashmir and thereafter the Centre should hear the elected representatives' views on withdrawing the special status. We are opposing the unilateral decision of the Central government,” Stalin said on Wednesday.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee is being received by DMK chief M. K. Stalin and Puducherry Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy at a memorial meeting to mark the first death anniversary of Karunanidhi in the city on Wednesday. (Photo: DC)
He lashed out at those who had called his DMK an anti-national for objecting to the Union government's decision of scrapping Article 370 in Kashmir and said his party does not need lessons on nationalism. “I urge such people to look back at the history of our party. Even when we had some internal demands in the past, our party founder C. N. Annadurai, left those demands when China entered into a war with our nation. So, it is unnecessary to question our faith and patriotism for India. DMK does not need lessons about patriotism from anyone,” Stalin added.
Speaking at an event to commemorate the first death anniversary of his father and former DMK chief, Stalin said Farooq Abdulla should have been at today's function but he couldn't as “he is under house arrest.” “That's the pathetic situation prevailing in Kashmir. Special status shouldn't be revoked in Kashmir,” Stalin said.
On his late father, Stalin said, “I cannot forget August 7 in my life. Our leader left us and reached his brother Anna. He proved that a state party can dictate terms in the Centre. In the last stages of his life, his thoughts revolved only around Arivalayam and Anna. We will unveil Kalaignar's statues across TN.”
“If they (Centre) take a decision with regard to Tamil Nadu, Bengal or any other State, they should take the people of that State into confidence. But the government cannot take unilateral decision ignoring the concerns of the people,” Mamata said lashing out at the BJP-led government.
DK leader Veeramani appreciated Stalin for inviting “iron lady” Mamata Banerjee to unveil Kalaignar's statue in the city and said, this was most fitting to invite her. “Kalaignar fought for the State's rights, Mamata is fighting for State's rights,” he said. Veeramani released a book on Kalaignar and it was received by Mamata Banerjee.
Puducherry Chief Minister V. Narayanaswamy said while the people of his Union Territory were demanding Statehood for Puducherry, but the Centre is cancelling the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir. “We have been facing several issues due to the Lieutenant Governor. It is hard for a UT to implement public welfare schemes. So, Jammu and Kashmir will also face these troubles since Article 370 has been withdrawn,” he said.
Earlier, the DMK president rewarded the sculptor of Karunanidhi's statue by presenting him a ring, at the YMCA auditorium in Royapettah, where the function was held.
The ambassador car which was used by the late 'Kalaignar' placed on the stage at the YMCA Auditorium ahead of the meeting was the cynosure of all eyes.
Earlier, the gathering observed a minute of silence as a mark of respect to the departed BJP leader Sushma Swaraj and DMK leader Ayiram Vizhakku Hussain.
