Fri Mar 21 19:25:32 UTC 2025: ## DMK Cautions AIADMK Against External Influences in Assembly Budget Debate
**Chennai, March 22, 2025** – The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) issued a veiled warning to the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) during Friday’s Assembly debate on the 2025-26 budget. Minster Thangam Thennarasu, in his reply to the debate, expressed concern over what he termed the AIADMK’s “misguided calculations,” suggesting the party was being manipulated by unseen forces.
Thennarasu’s comments, delivered with a mix of seriousness and humor, referenced AIADMK MLA P. Thangamani’s concerns about the government’s ₹2,000 crore laptop distribution scheme (the first phase of a larger project). He subtly alluded to unnamed individuals, hinting at a clandestine influence undermining the AIADMK’s prospects. He used the phrase “chanakya thanthiram” (cunning strategy) to describe these unseen forces.
The minister’s remarks prompted laughter in the Assembly, especially when he noted BJP legislator Vanathi Srinivasan’s amused reaction, stating, “The cat is out of the bag!” While former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam was present, Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami was absent.
Thangamani later responded, asserting the AIADMK’s independence and dismissing suggestions of external influence. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin interjected, wishing the AIADMK good luck if they were indeed free from such influences.
The debate also saw Thennarasu acknowledge the shared history between the DMK and the AIADMK, paying respect to the late AIADMK founder, M.G. Ramachandran. The exchange highlighted the ongoing political tensions between the two major Tamil Nadu parties.
First Piper 