COIMBATORE: Facing flak for supporting the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019, chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami sought to woo Muslims during his campaign tour in Coimbatore on Saturday, ahead of the assembly polls.
“When the Centre brought certain laws, Muslims were apprehensive. I am assuring you that people born in Tamil Nadu have every right to live here. No one can send them away from this soil,” EPS, who launched his road show seeking votes, said.
Seeking to strike a bold note, EPS told a gathering of jamaath leaders in Kurichi that he cannot be bought or enslaved by anyone. “We won’t let you give up your rights in any situation.” Though the party is in an alliance, the principles of AIADMK is different from that of its allies, he said. “The state government always supports the rights of Muslim and minorities. It’s our duty to protect the rights of Hindus, Christians, Muslims and other religions in the state. Muslims need not to worry about anything. We will protect your rights.” The state government will construct ‘Haj Illam’ in Chennai, the CM said.
DMK leader M K Stalin attempted to topple the government but his effort went in vain, EPS said.
The repeated power cuts during the DMK regime changed once the AIADMK came to power in 2011 and industries are flourishing, he said. “There were no communal and caste riots in TN during our regime. People of all communities are living in peace.” Speaking at Selvapuram and Kuniyamuthur, EPS said DMK MPs failed to speak for the welfare of Tamil people in Parliament. “They failed to get financial assistance and new industries.”