Exuding confidence that the DMK front would win not less than 180 seats, Vaiko in an interview to Shanmughasundaram J said the third front would be an “utter failure” in TN. The BJP is using AIADMK as a “Trojan horse” to sneak into the Dravidian heartland, he said.
How do you rate the performance of the Palaniswami government?
Recently, the CM made a few announcements to appease the people. But fishermen, farmers and youngsters are a disappointed lot. They are waiting for the elections to vent their ire. Moreover, the anti-Modi wave that swept the 2019 Lok Sabha polls in favour of the DMK front is still there. The DMK front will win not less than 180 seats. Youngsters, the deciding factor in this election, are in favour of our front.
You were part of the third front in 2016 assembly polls. This election, MNM and AMMK-led fronts are in the fray. How significant are they?
The third front will be an utter failure in TN. I say this based on my experience. They have no chance here. They are the BJP’s B-team.
DMK leaders have shifted their focus to attacking the BJP. Is the AIADMK vs DMK narrative changing?
No, it is not. We are trying to expose that the BJP is using the AIADMK like a Trojan horse to sneak into TN. It will be dangerous. They would enforce one nation, one language, one religion and one culture. They will introduce a single employment gateway. Amit Shah, in the West Bengal election campaign, spoke about one recruitment board. If done so, only people from Bihar will get jobs here.
To remain in the DMK front, you agreed to contest on the DMK symbol. Haven’t you compromised your position?
We are firm on our basic demands and issues such as total prohibition and upholding the rights of Sri Lankan Tamils. It is not a compromise. It is a political strategy for a common good — to prevent the fascist BJP from entering TN.
Political critics say the Sri Lankan Tamils issue is no longer relevant in TN elections. Your view?
It is very much a politically and emotionally alive and kicking issue. The Indian government betrayed Sri Lankan Tamils by abstaining from voting in the UNHRC against the Sinhalese government and safeguarding it from war crimes and genocide. It will flare up in the coming days and turn into an important issue in the April 6 polls.
What is your take on dynastic politics in the DMK?
It is an attention diversion tactic of the AIADMK. It’s the most corrupt government ever in TN. Moreover, I don’t want to comment on the DMK’s internal issues.