Tamil Nadu, which was one of the best administered States in the country, had ceased to be so under the present Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) regime and had become extraordinarily corrupt with family rule holding sway, said Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader, Sushma Swaraj, on Thursday.
“If the ruling party is thinking that serious corruption charges levelled against its government and its members can be offset by the freebies it has announced, it is utterly mistaken. People are looking for an alternative,” she said.
Addressing a press conference after releasing the BJP election propaganda CD and launching its advertisement campaign, she said there were three major reasons to say that the atmosphere is favourable for the BJP in the State. While there was a strong incumbency factor against the ruling DMK, there was a swell of resentment and disappointment against the Central government, of which the DMK was a constituent, and a positive feeling for the BJP.
“While we may not be able to claim that we will form the government, we will be able to play the role of an effective Opposition.”
To a question on the DMK's allegations against the Election Commission, she asserted that it was impartial. “These comments from the DMK president are out of sheer frustration.”
She also alleged that both the DMK and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam had proved “opportunistic” in their relationship with the BJP.
Poll plank
Ms. Swaraj said that the people had now realised that the BJP was one party that was more concerned about important issues for the common man such as good governance, development, price rise, corruption and dignified rehabilitation of Sri Lankan Tamils and protection for Indian fishermen. “And this will be our poll plank too.”
Despite not having a single BJP MP from Tamil Nadu, the party was championing the cause of the State with regard to various issues, including protection for fishermen from Tamil Nadu.
‘No sports diplomacy'
Asked about the initiative of the Prime Minister with regard to improving ties with Pakistan through cricket diplomacy, Ms. Swaraj said: “Dialogue and diplomacy should not be clubbed with sports. Cricket should be kept separate. Otherwise, it will put serious pressure on the players.”
