SEO_DESC: Tamil Nadu Minister Rajmohan Arumugam dismisses DMK MP Kanimozhi's criticism of the Dharapuram campaign, calling it baseless and politically motivated.

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Minister Rajmohan Arumugam slams Kanimozhi over Dharapuram remarks

Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Rajmohan Arumugam has launched a sharp rebuttal against DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, dismissing her recent criticisms regarding a campaign event in Dharapuram. Arumugam asserted that the remarks made by the MP were entirely without merit and were driven solely by political motivations.

Defending the Dharapuram Campaign Management

The controversy erupted following the recent campaign in Dharapuram, where certain aspects of the event management were called into question. Addressing the media in Chennai, Arumugam explained the rationale behind the decisions made during the program.

He clarified that his actions were focused on the well-being of the crowd and the schedule of the Chief Minister. "During yesterday's Dharapuram campaign, I asked Minister Arunraj to keep his speech brief as the Chief Minister had been standing for a long time," Arumugam stated. He added that he also requested candidate Sathyabama to conclude her address quickly, noting that a massive crowd was waiting outside the campaign tent under the scorching heat.

The Minister highlighted the physical toll on the leadership, mentioning that the Chief Minister had travelled extensively for nearly two hours and interacted deeply with the public before taking the stage. "He arrived completely drenched in sweat, while people had also been waiting for a long time," he remarked, defending the need for time management.

Experience in Event Anchoring

To counter any allegations regarding his role as an anchor, Arumugam cited his extensive experience in managing high-profile political gatherings. He noted that he has anchored numerous significant events, including those involving MK Stalin and Udhayanidhi Stalin, as well as the centenary celebrations for former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi.

He explained that in professional anchoring, it is standard practice to request speakers to wrap up due to time constraints, whether through walkie-talkies or direct communication. He accused certain quarters of spreading negative narratives against people who had waited patiently in the heat to hear the leaders speak.

Addressing Political Alliances and Leadership

When questioned about the possibility of joining the Secular Social Justice Victory Alliance, the Minister maintained a cautious stance. He stated that any such strategic move would be a collective decision, made jointly by the Chief Minister and the leaders of the various alliance parties.

Arumugam also addressed allegations regarding the poaching of political leaders. Denying any claims of monetary inducements within the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), he pointed to the political history of leaders like Anitha Radhakrishnan to illustrate how politicians move between parties. "Nobody has been bought in TVK, and we have not paid anyone a price. People are coming to our leader Vijay because of his stature and leadership," he emphasized.

Future Outlook and By-Election Confidence

Regarding local issues such as the Pattinapakkam matter, the Minister assured that the government would remain democratic in its approach. He stated that no final decision would be made without continuous consultation and listening to the views of the general public.

Concluding his address, Arumugam expressed immense confidence in the upcoming electoral contests. With by-elections scheduled for the Dharapuram and Madurantakam assembly constituencies on October 6, he predicted an "unprecedented victory" for the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.