Chennai, September 20, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Senior DMK leader T.K.S. Elangovan has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using investigative agencies to intimidate regional political parties, arguing that such parties have emerged as key opponents of the BJP amid the Congress’ weakened position nationally.
Elangovan made the remarks while referring to the proceedings involving Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) in a land case and notices issued to AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal and his family in Delhi. He alleged that these actions reflected a systematic effort to target regional political forces.
According to Elangovan, the BJP was apprehensive about regional parties joining hands against it. He said opposition parties were working towards greater cooperation and would present their political and ideological differences with the BJP before voters.
Backing the CPI(M)’s call for the broadest possible opposition unity instead of a separate third front, Elangovan said parties opposed to the BJP should work together and collectively highlight what they consider the ruling party’s failures and policies.
He also accused the BJP of undermining democratic values and alleged that it was attempting to turn India into a “monopolistic” political system. He claimed that those in power were acting with unchecked authority and were unwilling to adequately address public grievances.
Turning his criticism towards the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government in Tamil Nadu, Elangovan alleged that law and order had deteriorated during its first 100 days in office. Referring to eight murders that he claimed took place within a day, he alleged that the government was reviving allegations dating back decades against the DMK to divert attention from its current shortcomings.
On questions surrounding DMK president M.K. Stalin’s arrest during the Emergency, Elangovan said Stalin did not need to produce fresh evidence to establish that he had been detained under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA). He referred to the Justice M.M. Ismail Commission, which examined the treatment of political detainees in Tamil Nadu during the Emergency. Recent reporting based on official records has also revisited the commission’s findings concerning Stalin’s detention.
Elangovan also backed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s contention that the system was suppressing students, saying citizens have a fundamental right to peacefully protest against the government over genuine grievances.
He said elected governments have a constitutional responsibility to engage with protesters, hear their concerns and seek remedies. Attempts to suppress agitations without addressing the issues behind them, he added, were inconsistent with democratic governance.
FOLLOW NOW
