Anti-CAA stir a war cry to protect Indians, says Oppn Leader

Participating in “Citizenship Protection Conference” organised by Tamizhaga Makkal Otrumai Medai (A collective of secular and liberal minded people) in the city on Wednesday, Stalin referred to the riots which claimed 20 lives in the capital and said, “Incidents in the capital during the last few days make us wonder who is in power there? Who is controlling police and maintaining law and order there? Has the capital gone into the hands of rioters?”

“What is the Union Home Minister doing? Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal says police are insufficient? Whose fault is this? What would happen to other states if this were the plight of the national capital?” Stalin asked, adding that the BJP-led Centre has not only failed, but it has no intention to control law and order.

Rebuffing the adamant Centre’s charge that Opposition was instigating violence, Stalin referred to the differing political ideologies of the Opposition and said, “We have come together not to oppose Narendra Modi regime. The BJP rule is fraught with problems. There are many issues to do politics in Modi regime. We have no need to do politics using CAA. This is people’s issue. We have come together to protect the country.”

“People have hit the streets because they fear they would be affected. Is the Centre not duty bound to allay the fear and doubts of the people? This is not a war of Muslims or Hindus. It is a war to protect Indians. Muslims are not the only one’s affected. Thirteen of the 19 lakh people deemed as non-citizens in Assam are Hindus. Where have those who claim to have taken reincarnation to protect Hindus gone?” the DMK president said, adding that a group was projecting them as anti-Hindus, deliberately. Wondering if they were enemies of the country for asking not to divide people on religious lines, Stalin advised the Centre to think alternatives to dividing people? Opining that Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami would not adopt a resolution against CAA or NPR because he would end in prison if he did so, Stalin said that religion and caste were double edged weapons which would hurt the bearer. Calling it their democratic duty to stop communalisation of the country and division of people on religious lines, Stalin appealed to the Prime Minster to ensure people have a peaceful life.

Seconding Stalin, Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy said, “If BJP is firm on its ideology, it should have walked out of the alliance in Bihar. They did not because they want power. BJP is power hungry and hence they claim Hindus are being attacked and instigate riots. This is the time for us to stay united. We will not be divided by religion. TN, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry and Telangana refuse to accept CAA and NPR. Northern states should be educated. We are ready for any sacrifice to uphold secularism.”