Key Highlights
Accusation of Religious Division
- Stalin accused the BJP of trying to incite religious tensions and communal divisions in Tamil Nadu, particularly citing alleged attacks on Christian communities and attempts to replicate those incidents in the state.
- He pointed out examples of inter‑faith respect, such as Hindus visiting dargahs and Muslims participating in Hindu festivals, to underline Tamil Nadu’s communal unity — something he claims “irritates” the BJP.
- Stalin declared that under his DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) government, there will be no space for politics based on religious hatred in Tamil Nadu.
- The remarks are part of a broader political strategy to mobilize secular and minority voters and position the DMK’s Dravidian Model as an alternative to what he frames as the BJP’s divisive agenda.
Description of the Incident
Stalin’s comments came during public addresses around late December 2025, including a speech in Kallakurichi, where he was inaugurating government projects and linking development to social harmony. He explicitly accused the BJP of promoting “religious politics” to break social unity, but asserted that Tamil Nadu’s people remain united across faiths — an approach he calls the Dravidian model of governance. He used examples of mixed participation in festivals across religions to stress that inter‑faith respect and secularism are core to Tamil Nadu’s social fabric. Stalin also challenged political rivals to match his government’s social and economic achievements, asserting this contrast ahead of the next state elections.
Political and Social Implications
DMK reinforces secular and inclusive image to consolidate minority and progressive voters ahead of elections.
Increases political polarization, making religion a key electoral narrative in Tamil Nadu.
Challenges BJP’s national agenda, framing it as divisive compared to Tamil Nadu’s communal harmony model.