Ponnaiyan criticised the central government for depriving Tamil Nadu of funds, betraying the state on river issues, imposing Hindi, and neglecting Eelam Tamils, leaving the state struggling with unfulfilled promises
Published Mar 29, 2025 | 4:12 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 29, 2025 | 4:12 PM
'There is no friendship between AIADMK and BJP': Ponnaiyan (@NRDHANAPALAN on X)
Synopsis: At a press conference on 28 March, former AIADMK minister Ponnaiyan accused the DMK and BJP of a secret alliance, explaining the lack of action on the ₹1,000 crore TASMAC scam. He criticised the central government’s neglect towards Tamil Nadu’s development, the imposition of Hindi, and the failure to support Eelam Tamils, claiming the DMK’s silent stance stems from pending cases.
At a press conference yesterday, 28 March, at Ponneri, AIADMK’s former minister Ponnaiyan accused the DMK and BJP of having a secret alliance, which he claims is why no action has been taken regarding the ₹1,000 crore TASMAC scam.
When asked about the meeting between AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Ponnaiyan stated that the central government has been depriving Tamil Nadu of funds for various projects, betraying the state on river water issues, imposing Hindi through the three-language policy, and failing to deliver allocated funds, leaving Tamil Nadu struggling. He also accused the central government of neglecting Eelam Tamils.
Ponnaiyan further alleged that despite having 38 MPs, the DMK is not pressuring the central government because its leaders have pending cases and are maintaining a secret understanding with Delhi. He claimed this covert relationship between the DMK and BJP is the reason no action has been taken in the ₹1,000 crore TASMAC scam.
DMK-BJP’s Hidden Relationship
To clarify his claims, South First contacted Ponnaiyan for further explanation.
When asked how he could assert that the BJP and DMK have a hidden relationship, he explained:
“Two years ago, former Finance Minister Palanivel Thiagarajan alleged that Stalin’s family, including his son Udhayanidhi Stalin and his son-in-law Sabareesan, were involved in financial irregularities amounting to over ₹30,000 crore. However, no investigation or action was taken. Instead, the family traveled to Dubai and Spain. The central government, which should have acted, remained silent. The same pattern continues with the TASMAC scam, making it clear that the DMK needs to stay in the BJP’s good graces to avoid repercussions.”
He further argued, “Similarly, the central government survives on a fragile coalition, relying on leaders like Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar for support. Since it needs additional backing, the BJP has established a behind-the-scenes relationship with the DMK. This is the reality of the current political landscape.”
When asked whether his criticism of the BJP would affect AIADMK’s relationship with the party, especially after EPS met Amit Shah, Ponnaiyan firmly responded, “There is no friendship between the AIADMK and the BJP.”
“Our alliance with the BJP ended long ago. Our General Secretary, Edappadi Palaniswami, has already announced this. Why should we discuss alliances a year before the elections? This meeting was solely for the welfare of Tamil Nadu.”
Ponnaiyan strongly criticised the BJP-led central government, accusing it of treating Tamil Nadu unfairly.
Water Crisis
Tamil Nadu is suffering from severe water shortages. The BJP government has shown a attricious step-motherly attitude towards the state, failing to ensure the release of the required water from the Mullaperiyar Dam and the Cauvery River. Tamil Nadu should receive 173 TMC of Cauvery water, but it has not been provided. The central government’s inaction is causing vast agricultural lands to dry up and creating a severe drinking water crisis. Even water that should be received from Andhra Pradesh is being blocked, despite a Supreme Court ruling in Tamil Nadu’s favor. The central government has taken no steps to resolve this.
Language Issue
For over 50 years, Tamil Nadu has followed the two-language policy based on the Official Languages Act introduced during Nehru’s time. However, the BJP, influenced by the RSS, is trying to impose the three-language policy under the guise of a new education policy. This goes against the wishes of the people of Tamil Nadu.
Economic and Social Policies
The BJP government has failed to address poverty and unemployment. Instead, it is trying to impose its ideology from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. The BJP is controlled by the RSS, which in turn is backed by billionaires like Ambani and Adani. This government does not serve the interests of the poor but instead works for the wealthiest individuals. Tamil Nadu is strongly opposing the BJP’s oppressive policies.
When asked whether AIADMK would reconsider an alliance with the BJP in the future, Ponnaiyan stated:
“No party desires permanent enmity with another. If the BJP refuses to accept the two-language policy, resolve the Mullaperiyar and Cauvery issues, and allocate Tamil Nadu’s rightful funds, our attitude and stand may change. But as of now, the BJP’s approach towards Tamil Nadu is hostile, so we have no political relationship with them.”
When asked if AIADMK would join forces with the DMK since both are fighting against the BJP on these issues, Ponnaiyan dismissed the idea.
“The DMK has secretly aligned with the BJP in multiple ways and is not leading any real protests. This is just propaganda. The AIADMK has fought for Tamil Nadu’s rights, whereas the DMK never has. In 2026, we will form a grand alliance with the people and emerge victorious.”
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
