27th August, Wednesday: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president MK Stalin’s participation in Rahul Gandhi’s Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar has triggered a political firestorm, with BJP leaders accusing him and his party of repeatedly insulting Biharis.
As per NDTV, the BJP initially questioned Stalin's visit to Bihar, challenging him to recite inflammatory past statements made by his son Udhayanidhi Stalin against Sanatana Dharma and DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran's statement that "Biharis clean toilets in Tamil Nadu." The party accused Stalin's appeal to Bihar as a mere "hypocrisy" for votes.
BJP leaders sharpen their criticism
According to Hindustan Times, BJP chief K Annamalai posted a video montage of what he called "uncouth remarks" from DMK leaders and their accomplices regarding Biharis and north Indians. "Hope Stalin proudly repeats every one of those insults in front of the very people he and his party members mocked," he posted on his X handle. The clip contained Stalin's remarks, state ministers TRB Rajaa and KN Nehru, DMK leaders like K Ponmudy and RS Bharathi, and VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan. https://x.com/annamalai_k/status/1960572781046980732
Union minister L Murugan also wondered "the usefulness" of Stalin's presence at the rally, adding that his "colonial mindset" would betray him if he delivered a speech in English. Another BJP functionary, CR Kesavan, wondered whether Stalin would wish people on Ganesh Chaturthi, while accusing DMK leaders of spreading "badnaam Bihar."
Opposition strikes back in Bihar rally
Stalin remained present with Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav at the rally, even after the attack. Hindustan Times further stated that Tejashwi took a target at the NDA in Bihar by widening the acronym to "Nahi Denge Adhikar." He added, "The public is aware of vote theft. BJP-NDA will fail in the upcoming elections."
Earlier at Supaul, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Telangana CM Revanth Reddy took out a march, blaming the BJP-led NDA of diluting constitutional rights.
