Mon Feb 23 13:05:08 UTC 2026: # Stalin Accuses BJP of Political Vendetta Ahead of Tamil Nadu Elections
The Story:
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, president of the DMK, has accused the BJP of using central investigating agencies like the ED, I-T, and CBI to carry out political hunting in Tamil Nadu. Speaking at a CNN News 18 Town Hall event in Chennai on Monday, February 23, 2026, Stalin alleged that the BJP is protecting corrupt former AIADMK ministers for the sake of their alliance and preventing FIRs from being registered against them through the Governor. He asserted the DMK is prepared to face any action from these agencies and questioned the conviction rate in ED cases.
Key Points:
- M.K. Stalin accused the BJP of using the ED, I-T, and CBI for “political hunting.”
- He claimed the BJP is protecting corrupt former AIADMK ministers to maintain their alliance.
- Stalin alleged the Governor is preventing the registration of FIRs against some former ministers.
- He questioned the conviction rate of the ED in the 8,000-odd cases registered by the agency.
- Stalin welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s and Home Minister Amit Shah’s frequent visits to Tamil Nadu, stating it aids the DMK’s campaign.
- He referenced his article in The Hindu advocating for a structural reset of India’s federalism.
Key Takeaways:
- The DMK anticipates increased scrutiny from central investigating agencies as the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections approach.
- Stalin is attempting to frame the BJP’s actions as politically motivated, potentially to galvanize support for the DMK.
- The issue of corruption, particularly involving former AIADMK ministers, is a key point of contention in Tamil Nadu politics.
- Stalin subtly positions himself as a potential national leader within the INDIA bloc, while acknowledging the limitations of his present stature.
Impact Analysis:
The accusations and counter-accusations between the DMK and BJP signal a potentially contentious election season in Tamil Nadu. The use of central agencies as a political tool, if perceived as such by the public, could backfire on the BJP, potentially strengthening regional parties like the DMK. The focus on federalism and state autonomy suggests a broader debate on center-state relations is likely to intensify in the coming years, with significant implications for India’s political landscape. The Sri Lankan Navy arresting Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu, reported on the same day, may also become a point of contention for the parties involved.
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