Confusion prevails in DMK-Congress alliance, says Nainar Nagenthran

BJP State president Nainar Nagenthran on Wednesday questioned DMK MP Kanimozhi’s talks with Congress leaders in Delhi, asking why such discussions were necessary if the alliance was intact. “This clearly shows that confusion prevails within the alliance,” he said.

Addressing the media here, he said Congress functionary Praveen Chakravarthy’s claim that the AIADMK would slip to third place reflected nervousness within the Opposition.

“Even before the NDA alliance was formed, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin claimed the DMK-led front would win over 200 seats. But we are confident that the NDA will cross 200 seats,” he said, adding that reports of the Congress seeking ministerial berths further underlined the confusion.

Mr. Nagenthran accused the DMK government of failing to utilise ₹8,000 crore allocated by the Centre for Adi Dravidar welfare schemes. “The funds were returned. Is it due to poor administration or unwillingness to spend?” he asked.

He said the DMK’s alliance partners, while claiming concern for Adi Dravidar welfare, had remained silent on the Vengaivayal incident. “Despite a CB-CID inquiry, no concrete action has been taken,” he said, questioning their ideology.

On former State BJP president K. Annamalai’s inability to take up responsibilities assigned to him in six constituencies for election-related work, Mr. Nagenthran said the assignment was not a permanent post but intended to address local issues. “Such developments are routine within the party,” he said.

Referring to the Supreme Court’s decision to quash the Madras High Court order that had stayed the operation of laws transferring the power to appoint vice-chancellors of universities from the Governor to the State government, Mr. Nagenthran said the DMK was following contradictory policies. “Former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi brought a Bill giving more powers to the Governor, whereas Mr. Stalin has brought a Bill to curtail the Governor’s powers. This exposes the DMK’s contradictory stand. The Governor has constitutional powers, and they cannot be denied,” he said.