February 8, 2026e-Paper

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February 8, 2026e-Paper

Published - February 09, 2026 12:38 am IST - Chennai

Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Sunday said the unity of minorities and DMK was turning the “Sanghis” uncomfortable.

He accused the AIADMK and its leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami of becoming slaves of the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Participating in the silver jubilee celebrations of the student wing of Tamil Nadu Muslim Munnetra Kazhagam (TMMK) at Valluvar Kottam in Chennai, Mr. Udhayanidhi said the “fascists and their slaves should be defeated” to ensure that the rights of the minorities are protected in Tamil Nadu.

“You [TMMK student wing] have participated in all protests organised by the DMK for the sake of education. Our unity is making the Sanghis uncomfortable,” he said.

“The UGC brought in some regulations (equity) to prevent discrimination based on caste and religion. The BJP government opposed it and got a stay in the court,” Mr. Udhayanidhi said, adding, “Our Chief Minister wanted it to be implemented.”

According to him, the DMK party and government will protect the minorities. It has always implemented several schemes for the minorities.

Lauding the TMMK volunteers for their social service during the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters, he said, “The DMK grew because of the power of the students. Similarly, students will lay the foundation of your organisation. What I like the most about social justice students’ wing is your social service. I have been amazed by your social service… without any publicity. Especially, the help you extended to the people of Tamil Nadu during COVID-19, they will never forget it. Also, relief efforts during the natural disasters. Apart from this, helping poor students to study is also appreciable.”

MMK president M.H. Jawahirullah said they must work to ensure that the DMK-led alliance wins the upcoming election.

Published - February 09, 2026 12:38 am IST

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