‘TN should show way to India in keeping out BJP, oust CM’
Rahul Gandhi took part in multiple engagements as part of his 3-day tour of state
KANYAKUMARI (TN): Tamil Nadu should show the way to India in keeping away forces that are inimical to language and culture and those projecting "one culture, one nation and one history" concept, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on Monday.
The Lok Sabha MP participated in multiple engagements in this district as part of his three-day tour of Tamil Nadu, ahead of the April 6 Assembly polls in the state which his party is facing in alliance with the M K Stalin-led DMK.
If he were to interview Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gandhi said he would ask "why are you convinced that all answers should come from you". He also said the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), strongly opposed to by Tamil Nadu political parties, was a "big issue" and "not beneficial" for students.
The Wayanad MP displayed his fitness when he effortlessly did multiple pushups, including one-handed, while he shook a leg with the students he interacted with, as accompanying Congress leaders Dinesh Gundu Rao and K S Alagiri joined him.
At a public address in Nagercoil in the district, Gandhi said history has shown nobody can rule Tamil Nadu other than the Tamil people.
"This election will show the same thing that only a person who truly represents the Tamil people can be a Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu," he said.
"Tamil Nadu chief minister (K Palaniswami) who bows to Prime Minister Narendra Modi will never be able to do this.
The chief minister should bow to the people of the state," he said. The RSS and Modi "insult Tamil language and culture", he said, adding the people should not to allow them to gain a foothold in the state.
Gandhi further said "Modi talks about one culture, one nation, one history and one leader." "Is Tamil not an Indian language? Is Bengali not an Indian language? Is Tamil culture not Indian culture? This is the battle that is being fought in this election," he said as the crowd cheered.
"It is my duty to protect the Tamil language, culture and history just as it is my duty to protect all languages and religions in India," he said.
He accused the BJP-led government at the Centre as well as the Palaniswami government of not respecting Tamil language, culture or tradition.
Recalling the yeoman service of late Congress MP H Vasantha Kumar, Gandhi said he always stood by the party values. He laid a wreath at Kumar's memorial at Kanyakumari.
During his interaction with students of St. Joseph's Matric Higher Secondary School,
Mulagumoodu in the district, he said NEET is a 'big' issue in the state.
"NEET is a big issue here. It is stopping many youngsters from pursuing their dreams. It is not beneficial," he claimed.
Arguing that teachers and students are both equally important in shaping education policy, as they are the pillars of the institution, he said no policy will be beneficial if the views of teachers and students are not obtained.
"If I force you to read, then it is arrogance, but if I ask what do you require, then it is humility. Arrogance creates problems whereas humility resolves problems," he said.
Asked why youngsters don't want to make politics a career, Gandhi said it could be so because "there are some politicians who steal from people."
"There are good political leaders who work for the people, try to understand people and empower them. Draw inspiration from such leaders who help people," he said.