Stalin urges Tamilians to be vigilant against divisions on caste, religious lines

Tamil Nadu: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Sunday said that attempts are being made to divide the state on caste and religious lines and urged citizens to act against such attempts.

Speaking at an event in Chennai, Stalin said, "Attempts are being made to divide Tamil Nadu on caste and religion. Some people want to stop the development of the state by dividing us. The people of Tamil Nadu should realise this and act. Only a peaceful country can achieve all kinds of development."

"While religion and related things were matters of personal choice, "we all should be one as Tamils," he said at an Iftaar function in Chennai.

"By dividing us, they are attempting to thwart our growth. The Tamil community should not fall prey to that. It should understand the conspiracy behind such an effort," the Chief Minister said.

Only all-around peace can lead to all kinds of progress and his government has ensured a conducive atmosphere for such a growth in 11 months of coming to power, he said. "That is why I keep insisting, the all-inclusive Dravidian model is moving Tamil Nadu to the first position among the best states," the DMK chief said.

He listed out the various welfare initiatives meant for Muslims in the state in the past year. On the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, he recalled that he had piloted a resolution against it in the State Assembly (last year), calling for it to be repealed.

Earlier in the day, Stalin had asserted that his government will not discriminate against local bodies that are headed by opposition parties. Addressing a grama sabha meeting at Sengadu village near Sri Perumbadur to mark the National Panchayat Raj day, he said that the people under local bodies will get all due facilities, irrespective of who heads them.