BJP not a challenger in TN: Kanimozhi | Economic Times

DMK leader and MP Kanimozhi says the elections will be a straight contest between her party and AIADMK and that the priority for DMK is to bring back investments into the state. Edited excerpts:You have released an elaborate manifesto. If the DMK comes to power, what will be the top priorities? The most important thing is to bring investments into the state, and make sure there’s industrial growth and development, so that employment is generated. The other is to make agriculture more sustainable and protect the farmers’ interest — and we will continue to oppose the new farm laws. What are your comments on the conflict between AIADMK and BJP over CAA? I don’t understand the conflict. You (AIADMK) support it in Parliament when the bill is being passed, and just because elections are around the corner you suddenly realise it’s not going to go down well with the people and you say you will insist on repealing it. If you really didn’t want the bill to be passed, you could have voted against it. It definitely shows double standards. The BJP is going all out to expand its reach in a state where, historically, it hasn’t had a significant presence. Does the DMK see it as a major challenger? No, not at all. The fight is between AIADMK and DMK. Of course, we see that AIADMK’s is a proxy government and that BJP is pushing its agenda through them. People are resisting that. Last time, Chennai voted overwhelmingly for DMK. What are your expectations from this election?Chennai has always been a fort of DMK. We will do very well again this time. Anything specific you will be doing for the city if you return to power?I think we can start with something as basic as repairing the roads. That hasn’t been done at all. We have to ensure that the city is prepared to face floods if it happens again. Do you see the current election as a do-or-die battle for the DMK, after 10 years out of power? It’s not a do-or-die election for the party. But it’s definitely a do-or-die battle for the state. We have been sliding on all indicators, whether it’s empowering women or human rights, or even in state health indicators. Tamil Nadu used to lead, especially in human development indices. All that needs to be brought back on track. There have been some voices against giving a seat to Udhayanidhi, Stalin’s son. Isn’t the party worried? He had applied for the ticket and it was a unanimous decision by party leaders to give him a seat and allow him to contest. I don’t think there’s any dissent within the party on that.