Why is Union Minister L Murugan Criticizing CM Stalin?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- L. Murugan's critiques highlight the DMK's political vulnerabilities.
- The BJP-AIADMK alliance is gaining momentum ahead of elections.
- Recruitment tactics of the DMK are under scrutiny.
- Public perception of governance issues is crucial for upcoming elections.
- Political tensions in Tamil Nadu are escalating as the election approaches.
Chennai, July 17 (NationPress) Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan has made a pointed criticism of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK leader M.K. Stalin on Thursday, alleging that he has turned to "gimmick-driven politics" in a desperate attempt to save his party's "dwindling" support following the formation of the BJP-AIADMK coalition.
Speaking to the press, MoS Murugan noted that the DMK leadership seems to be on edge due to the rising influence of the BJP-AIADMK alliance.
"Since the alliance's announcement, CM Stalin has been visibly distressed. His party's recent PR initiative, 'Oraniyil Tamil Nadu', appears to be a frantic effort to halt the decline in support," Murugan contended.
He also accused DMK members of aggressively recruiting new followers via a private agency, employing coercive tactics and monetary incentives to inflate their numbers.
"It's ironic that a party that once boasted over one crore members is now resorting to paying Rs 1,000 to attract new supporters. This highlights the fragility of their organizational strength," Murugan stated.
Criticizing the Chief Minister's ongoing 'Ungaludan Stalin' (Stalin with You) outreach program, the Union Minister branded it "sticker politics" and claimed it merely repackages initiatives originally launched by the late AIADMK leader and former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa.
"After being inactive for over four years, CM Stalin is now exploiting state resources to mask his failures. This campaign is a transparent attempt to cover up shortcomings in governance," he asserted.
MoS Murugan further took aim at the DMK government's record concerning law and order, highlighting the surge in drug trafficking, human trafficking, and sexual offenses in the state.
"The people of Tamil Nadu are observant. They are poised to render a decisive judgment in the forthcoming elections," he proclaimed.
These comments arrive as political tensions escalate in Tamil Nadu ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, with the BJP-AIADMK alliance emerging as a strong contender against the DMK-led administration.