Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin sharply criticized the BJP-led central government and the opposition AIADMK, accusing them of undermining Muslim rights, while reaffirming the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam’s (DMK) commitment to protecting and advancing the interests of the Muslim community. Speaking at an event commemorating the 1,500th birthday of Prophet Muhammad in Chennai, Stalin highlighted the DMK’s historical and ongoing efforts to secure Muslim welfare, citing initiatives like the reinstatement of the Milad-un-Nabi public holiday and the inclusion of Urdu-speaking Muslims in reservation policies.

Stalin accused the AIADMK of betraying the Muslim community on issues like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the Triple Talaq law, claiming their actions led to leaders like Anwar Raja defecting to the DMK. He also criticized the AIADMK’s “deceitful” stance on the Waqf Amendment Bill, crediting the DMK’s legal efforts for securing a Supreme Court stay on its key provisions. “Those supporting the BJP’s despotic politics should be boycotted,” Stalin said, without directly naming the AIADMK, urging unity among Muslim leaders from parties like IUML, MMK, MJK, and SDPI present at the event.

The Chief Minister underscored the DMK’s historical ties to Muslim welfare, noting that party founder CN Annadurai and former leader M Karunanidhi first met at a Milad-un-Nabi event, laying the foundation for the party’s inclusive ethos. Stalin praised Prophet Muhammad’s teachings of equality and love, echoed by reformist Periyar EVR and DMK leaders. He also expressed concern over the Gaza crisis, urging the central government to act decisively to end Palestinian suffering, aligning his speech with global humanitarian issues.

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Stalin outlined several DMK initiatives for Muslims, including a 3.5% reservation within the Backward Classes category, the establishment of a minorities welfare board, an Urdu Academy, and a new Haj House near Chennai airport. Responding to a request from SDPI leader Nellai Mubarak, he confirmed that content on Prophet Muhammad is already part of the school curriculum. “The DMK will always stand with you, protecting and securing your rights,” Stalin assured, positioning the party as a steadfast ally of the Muslim community amidst ongoing political tensions.

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