The Congress party skipped an event organized by its ally MDMK due to an invitation featuring a photo of the late LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran. Despite the boycott, the alliance with the ruling DMK remains intact. Chief Minister MK Stalin used the occasion to call for eradicating communal politics and drugs in Tamil Nadu.
On Friday, the Congress party chose not to attend an event of the Secular Progressive Alliance, led by the DMK, which aimed to launch MDMK chief Vaiko's campaign. The decision stemmed from the invitation including a photograph of Velupillai Prabhakaran, the former LTTE leader responsible for the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Tamil Nadu Congress chief K Selvaperunthagai had announced the boycott, emphasizing that the alliance with DMK stays strong.
Although seven local Congress functionaries stayed away, the photo did not appear at the event itself. A Congress leader, speaking anonymously, noted, “But, it didn’t seem right to attend after seeing the invite.” The event took place in Trichy district, where Chief Minister MK Stalin flagged off Vaiko's 10-day 'march for equality.' This yatra seeks to promote communal harmony and raise awareness about drug and alcohol abuse, concluding on January 12 in Madurai.
Leaders from other alliance partners, including VCK, IUML, CPI, CPI(M), and MNM, participated. VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan framed the upcoming assembly election as a contest between 'Samathuvam' (equality) and 'Sanatanam,' referring to the BJP's Hindutva ideology.
Stalin addressed the crowd, stating that communal politics and drugs must be eradicated from society. He highlighted rising hate speeches that leave Christians, Muslims, and scheduled caste communities in fear due to attacks. “Instead of living together, they are causing a division and are using religion to spread hatred rather than bring people together,” Stalin said. Responding to opposition criticism on the drug issue, he pointed to state crackdowns and stressed shared responsibility among the state government, central government, and society.
