Coimbatore: The event organized in the city on Saturday to pay homage to the people who lost their lives in the serial bomb blast in Coimbatore on Feb 14, 1998, turned out to be a platform for BJP to take a dig at TVK and DMK.At the event jointly organized by BJP, Hindu Munnani and other Hindu outfits, L Murugan, Union minister of state for information and broadcasting, and parliamentary affairs, slammed TVK for claiming a 30% vote share in Tamil Nadu without contesting any election so far. He said the upcoming election would reveal actual support for TVK, which he said should learn how to organize a public meeting. “We will see if TVK is getting even one percent vote in the upcoming assembly elections.” He said corruption and crimes against women had increased, and law and order had deteriorated under the DMK govt. He said the state govt was misleading the public. “Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam was not introduced during the first three years of the DMK’s tenure. As elections approach, money is being credited to the beneficiaries. Voters are aware of the prevailing situation and will choose accordingly for the state’s development.” The minister said NDA would form govt in Tamil Nadu in 2026. BJP MLA Vanathi Srinivasan also came down on the DMK govt, stating the chief minister should act as the head of the state rather than as a party leader. She questioned why the CM, who speaks of religious harmony, does not extend greetings for Hindu festivals. Vanathi said the govt was giving a religious colour to the demands for the release of Hindu prisoners, while pursuing the release of Muslim prisoners who have been jailed for more than 25 years. “DMK is focusing on minority votes. NDA’s voice will be stronger in TN after the assembly polls.” More than 500 people attended the event.
