BJP may even remove Gandhi from Indian currencies, says Stalin

Criticising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for renaming the 100-day employment guarantee scheme, the DMK president M.K. Stalin apprehended that the Union government may even remove Gandhi’s picture from the Indian currency notes here on Saturday.

Speaking at a meeting organised by the Kamal Hassan’s Panpaatu Maiyam – ‘Remembering Bapuji and brothers” here at the Gandhi Memorial Museum where leaders from the DMK front participated, Mr. Stalin said that it was disheartening to know that the BJP had removed Mahatma’s name from the 100-day job guarantee scheme. Popularly known as MGNREGA, (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) the Union government had also increased the financial burden on the States.

Thanking Mr. Kamal Hassan for organising such an event in Madurai and in Gandhi Memorial Museum, Mr. Stalin said that the need of the hour for the entire nation was to throw away the fascist forces out of action.

They (BJP, RSS and their like-minded outfits) may attempt all-out efforts to sneak into Tamil Nadu, but they cannot succeed, he said.

Speakers led by MDMK general secretary Vaiko, Viduthalai Chiruthai Katchi leader Thol. Thirumavalavan, TNCC president Selvaperunthagai, CPI State secretary Veerapandian, CPI (M) State secretary Shanmugam, Tamizhaga Vaazhurimai Katchi leader Velmurugan, IUML leader K.M. Kader Mohideen, Manitha Neya Katchi founder Jawahirullah and Kongu Mandala Desiya Katchi general secretary Nityanandam hailed the contributions of Mahatma Gandhi.

The speakers said that despite differences which persisted immediately after the country was declared as Independent and Republic, it was Gandhi who insisted on retaining the secular and socialist fabric in the Constitution. This seed sown since then had retained the country together and unity in diversity became a reality.

However, with the BJP ruling at the Centre and the fascist forces attempting to destabilise the identity of the institutions, it was not just enough for fewer people or some political parties to come together, but the entire population should unite and throw the fringe group in the trash, the speakers underlined.

In his address, Mr. Kamal Hassan said Makkal Neethi Maiyam founded by him stepped into its ninth year. “We are just born, but we are strong enough to restore the lost sheen of the nation with the able guidance and support of the secular leaders here, who have witnessed very many struggles,” he said.

He clarified that the meet was not just to bring about leaders on a same platform with the State facing polls shortly, but to display that they have come together to keep the nation united and also hold the sanctity at a high esteem.

The actor-turned-politician said that ‘Gandhi is an idea…we can all use. We can all share,” and made a clarion call to the next generation to understand the nuances of Gandhi, which, he was confident, would suit even in the modern world.

Makkal Neethi Mayyam vice-president A.G. Mourya proposed a vote of thanks.