Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Member of Parliament Kanimozhi Karunanidhi has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to provoke religious conflict in Tamil Nadu.
Speaking during her campaign for DMK candidate Manoj Pandian in the Alangulam constituency, she stated, “We must be firm that under no circumstances should we give space to the BJP in this land, in Tamil Nadu. The BJP is continuously looking for ways to create religious conflicts in Tamil Nadu. If such conflicts arise, none of us can live peacefully. Neither the majority nor the minority communities.”
Kanimozhi also criticised the BJP for claiming credit for government schemes that are funded and implemented by the state. She highlighted the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G) scheme, pointing out that more than 60 percent of its funding in Tamil Nadu comes from the state government. She said, “Union Government is projecting schemes like the Prime Minister’s Housing Scheme in Hindi, claiming full credit, whereas in reality, 69% of the funding is provided by the Tamil Nadu government, with only 31% coming from the Centre. Despite this, the state government continues to deliver housing support to the people effectively.”
Under PMAY-G, the usual fund-sharing ratio between state and centre is 60:40, but Tamil Nadu provides funds on a 62:38 basis. The state government states that the cost of one unit is Rs 2.78 lakh, including the Centre’s contribution of Rs 72,000 and Rs 48,000 from the state, with an additional Rs 1.20 lakh provided by the state for RCC roofing. Moreover, a wage for 90 mandays (Rs 26,460 at Rs 294 per day) is offered under MGNREGS, along with Rs 12,000 for constructing household latrines under the Swachh Bharat Mission (G), of which Rs 7,200 comes from the Union and Rs 4,800 from the state.
Kanimozhi also detailed other developmental projects, including the completion of drinking water initiatives valued at around Rs 50.5 crore, the construction of a government women’s college, and the establishment of a women’s ready-made garment manufacturing cluster. She promised dedicated pipeline-based drinking water supply from the Marudhamputhur river, a new transport depot, and improved infrastructure in government schools, including the installation of smart boards.
DMK candidate Manoj Pandian is set to contest against AIADMK’s KR P Prabakaran. Tamil Vikatan Katchi (TVK), making its assembly poll debut, has fielded Vibin Chakkaravarthy. The main competition is expected between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), which includes the Indian National Congress, DMDK, and VCK, and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by AIADMK with BJP and PMK as allies. Actor-turned-politician Vijay will also make his electoral debut with TVK, potentially creating a three-way contest.

