DMK Leader A. Raja Challenges BJP's Influence in Tamil Nadu
In a recent statement, DMK leader A. Raja boldly declared that his party is unafraid of BJP's prominent figures like Modi and Shah, asserting that the Dravidian ideology will prevent the BJP from gaining a foothold in Tamil Nadu. He criticized the BJP's comments as false and divisive, emphasizing the unique political landscape of Tamil Nadu compared to other states. Raja's remarks come as the state prepares for assembly elections next year, highlighting the ongoing political tensions and the contrasting ideologies at play. This article delves into Raja's statements and the implications for the BJP's strategy in the region.
| Jun 9, 2025, 15:50 IST
A. Raja's Bold Statements Against BJP
Senior DMK leader A. Raja asserted on Monday that his party does not fear prominent figures like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, emphasizing that they hold a contrasting ideology to that of the BJP. This statement came in response to Shah's criticism of the ruling DMK during a press conference in Madurai on Sunday. Raja described the BJP leader's comments on various issues as outright false, hateful, and divisive.
Raja, a Member of Parliament, firmly stated that the BJP cannot establish a foothold in Tamil Nadu, especially with the upcoming assembly elections next year, unlike in Delhi or Maharashtra, due to the Dravidian ideology that counters the BJP's beliefs. He referenced the Dravidian philosophy, questioning how leaders like Arvind Kejriwal gained power in Delhi solely by opposing corruption, without any substantial ideology or leadership backing. He declared, 'We are not afraid of Amit Shah and Modi; they are just ordinary individuals. Their political ideology is facing challenges everywhere, yet it fails to gain traction here because we offer an alternative.'
He further emphasized that as long as the Dravidian ideology exists, the BJP cannot thrive in Tamil Nadu. 'We are not Delhi, Maharashtra, or Haryana; we are Tamil Nadu, we are Dravidian, and the BJP cannot come here.' Shah had previously claimed that the NDA would form governments in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal next year, targeting the DMK government with new allegations of corruption, including a ₹4,600 crore sand mining scam. The BJP is part of the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Tamil Nadu.