CHENNAI: Chief Minister Vijay on Monday asserted that his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), remains firmly committed to State autonomy even while adhering to cooperative federalism.
The remark comes against the backdrop of prevailing doubts over the TVK government's relationship with the Centre.
Meanwhile, he also made clear that the TVK would not be part of any 'political camp' and would not compromise on the rights of Tamil Nadu.
"The TVK is ideologically diagonally opposite to the party ruling (BJP) at the Centre. Yet, we will not indulge in blind confrontation on every issue, as the growth of Tamil Nadu is our foremost objective. Also, we will not compromise on our political or State rights. Those attempting to divert people's attention from this stance will not succeed," he said, in his reply to the discussion on the motion of thanks to the Governor’s address.
Stating that there was no need for the people of Tamil Nadu, minority organisations or parties supporting the TVK to harbour any apprehensions about the TVK’s leanings, Vijay said, "We are a secular party committed to social justice."
Earlier in his reply, Vijay also recalled that the Leader of the Opposition had, in an indirect reference on Monday, described the TVK as 'evil'.
"I would like to tell them this: Devils should not call others evil," he remarked.
Referring to the absence of DMK members in the House, the Chief Minister said, "Had the DMK MLAs been present, I had thought of doing an action." Then, Vijay swung his hand amid cheers from the treasury benches, recreating the gesture made by DMK president MK Stalin after successfully concluding the seat-sharing agreement with the Congress.
The Chief Minister Vijay also said that the Opposition party had found a new weapon to attack the TVK government: 'charging that the government is surviving on the mercy of the DMK'.
"The reality is my government is functioning solely due to the support and goodwill of the people of Tamil Nadu," he added.
In an impassioned speech, Vijay said the government was also receiving the backing of conscientious political forces. He also asked why the DMK should be concerned about his government choosing to accommodate ally parties in the Ministry. He pointed out that the CPI and the CPM had already made it clear that their support for the TVK government was an 'independent' political decision.
"The people are watching everything, and they know the truth," he said.