PM has embraced those the BJP had called corrupt: Stalin

Stalin criticizes BJP for embracing those they called corrupt, says DMK ready to face ED searches. He calls meeting of Opposition parties in Bengaluru a success and forms INDIA - Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance to protect nation's pluralistic values from divisive politics. Unity is strength, and together, INDIA will triumph.

In an apparent dig at the AIADMK, Chief Minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin on Tuesday said that those whom the BJP had called corrupt were now part of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had “embraced” them.

Replying to a query on Mr. Modi’s allegations against the DMK, Mr. Stalin said, “Did you see who all were made to sit next to him? Those against whom he had made allegations and those whom he had called corrupt are part of that alliance today. He is embracing them.”

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami was seated next to Mr. Modi during the NDA meeting in Delhi.

When asked about the DMK’s support for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s candidature for the Prime Minister’s post during the last election, Mr. Stalin said, “I had said that in view of the prevailing situation back then. As of now, our stand is clear on who should not be in power.”

To a query whether the DMK was prepared to face more ED searches, Mr. Stalin said more such incidents were expected, and his party was prepared to face them legally. He also criticised the ED for not taking action against leaders of political parties that were part of the NDA.

The country was facing a “huge crisis” under the BJP government at the Centre, Mr. Stalin said. He termed the meeting of Opposition parties in Bengaluru a success.

In a social media post, Mr. Stalin said, “Had a historic and constructive meeting in Bengaluru with secular, democratic leaders. We have formed INDIA - Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, committed to protecting our nation’s pluralistic values from the clutches of divisive politics. History has proven that authoritarians hiding behind the mask of nationalism will ultimately fall! Unity is our strength, and together, INDIA will triumph!”