Chennai, April 18 (NationPress) Senior Congress figure, Rahul Gandhi, on Saturday delivered a pointed critique of the AIADMK-led NDA coalition in Tamil Nadu at an election rally close to Sholinghur in Ranipet district, accusing the BJP of trying to manipulate the state's political landscape through a proxy entity.

Speaking to party supporters and workers, the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, asserted that the AIADMK has forfeited its autonomy and is now operating under the BJP's sway.

“The AIADMK is no longer what it once was. It is entirely under the BJP’s influence,” he stated, alleging that the national party is attempting to utilize the Dravidian party as a means to cement its foothold in Tamil Nadu.

Reinforcing the Congress party’s fundamental beliefs, LoP Gandhi insisted that governance in Tamil Nadu should be in the hands of its own populace.

“We, the Indian National Congress, hold that Tamil Nadu must be governed by its own people. No one should govern Tamil Nadu through a proxy from Delhi,” he declared, receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Mentioning the Congress's alliance with the DMK, LoP Gandhi emphasized what he described as a respectful and non-coercive political collaboration.

“We joined forces with the DMK, but we never attacked, threatened, or employed central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate against them. Conversely, the BJP resorts to attacking and threatening the AIADMK leadership,” he asserted.

LoP Gandhi also criticized the ideological sway of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, declaring that neither the RSS nor the BJP would succeed in gaining political dominance in Tamil Nadu. “They can never govern this State,” he proclaimed.

Gandhi also addressed the recent setback of the Women’s Reservation Bill in Parliament, which is linked to a delimitation constitutional amendment, calling it a significant political event.

“Just yesterday, we thwarted the BJP’s attempt to diminish the representation of southern states,” he claimed.

The Opposition is opposing the Women’s Reservation Bill being tied to the expansion of Parliament based on the 2011 Census and the delimitation process.

The proposed amendment reportedly fell short of the necessary two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha, garnering 298 votes in favor and 230 against.

This outcome marked a rare legislative defeat for the Modi administration, with Opposition parties uniting to obstruct the measure.

These remarks from the Congress leader come amidst heightened campaigning as Tamil Nadu Assembly elections approach, with political alliances intensifying their criticisms during this critical phase.