Former Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram on Saturday called upon Congressmen to develop a fighting spirit to take on the BJP politically.
Addressing the birth centenary of Maragatham Chandrasekar, a Dalit who held the TNCC president post, Mr. Chidambaram said while the Congress viewed the people of country as pan Indians, the BJP reduced them to Hindus.
“The BJP no longer has leaders like A.B. Vajpayee and L.K. Advani and it has scant regard for political norms and principles. It is winning elections by using divisive politics,” he said.
Pointing out that Dalits in the country, barring States like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, continued to languish in backwardness, Mr. Chidambaram said the Congress always maintained a cordial relationship with them.
“The Congress promoted them in politics and many leaders were elevated to top posts. The BJP cannot claim any such contribution to the welfare of Dalits. The Congressmen should nurture a fighting spirit and enrol youth from all communities to take on the BJP,” he said.
Party first
TNCC president Su. Thirunavukkarasar said Maragatham Chandrasekar always placed the interest of the Congress above her personal interests and never amassed wealth for herself.
“No political party can fare well in the country without giving Dalits their due in politics. The Congress always promoted Dalits,” he said.
Alleging that the Centre had brought down GST rates as it was afraid of facing people’s anger in the Gujarat elections, Mr. Thirunavukkarasar said the Income-Tax department had targeted a particular leadership of the AIADMK to create fear among them.
Former TNCC president E.V.K.S. Elangovan accused the BJP of running a dictatorial regime. “Prime Minister Modi’s government targets those who oppose him politically by conducting I-T raids. It should make public the outcome of the raids. The Congress will win elections in the Assembly elections in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh,” he said.
