Addressing the gathering, DMK MP Kanimozhi said they had not come together for just book launch, but for a trailblazer event for those who stand up against sectarian politics and fascism.
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – In a show of strength as a united Opposition against the ruling dispensation at the Centre, a batch of political leaders shared the stage at the launch of Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin’s autobiography in Chennai on Monday.
Among those who were present on the occasion are prominent Congress leader, Rahul Gandhi, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Rashtriya Janata Dal’s (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. They all expressed their resolve to fight divisive politics, fascism and centre’s assault on the rights of states
The book titled ‘Ungalil Oruvan’ (One Amongst You) chronicles first 23 years of Stalin before he was arrested in 1976.
The book launch ceremony held at the Chennai Trade Centre started with the welcome address of senior DMK leader and MP Kanimozhi. She said they had not come together for just book launch, but for a trailblazer event for those who stand up against sectarian politics and fascism.
On the occasion, Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the Modi government accusing it of degrading institutions.
“The judiciary, election commission, and the media have been systematically under attack. But the BJP need not be under any illusion. They are fighting history, tradition. They will be defeated,” the top congress leader said.
Omar Abdullah who was put under prolonged detention in August 2019 when the Modi government revoked J&K special status under Article 370 asked ominously “If tomorrow they decide to divide Tamil Nadu into three parts and bring Governor’s rule. What will you do?”
He pitched for the union of the like minded people to “fight not against one party, but against an entire machinery”.
Kareal CM Vijayan lauded his Tamil Nadu counterpart for being at the forefront of fighting against the threat to states’ rights.
RJD leader Yadav demanded a caste based nation-wide census. He also brought up lack of diversity in judiciary and put spotlight on marginal representation of judges from lower castes.
