DMK president MK Stalin, on April 1, launched a sharp attack on the AIADMK, accusing them of having “blood on their hands” due to their support for the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
Addressing a public meeting in Tiruchy, Stalin slammed AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS), alleging that his only achievement has been to weaken the party through “servility”. He also challenged EPS to clearly state his current position on the CAA.
In December 2019, the CAA was passed in the Rajya Sabha with the crucial support of 11 AIADMK MPs. The party’s single MP in the Lok Sabha also voted in favour.
The CAA has remained controversial for linking citizenship to religion, offering fast-track citizenship to non-Muslim migrants — including Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Jains and Parsis — from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, while excluding Muslims.
Critics argue that the Act undermines the Constitution, and point out that alongside the National Register of Citizens (NRC), it could disproportionately impact Muslims who may be required to prove their ancestry and risk being declared undocumented migrants.
“AIADMK is the party that betrayed Sri Lankan Tamils and minority groups to ensure the CAA was passed. Anbumani Ramadoss joined with them in this betrayal … Thousands were attacked during the protests that followed. 70 people were killed. This blood is on AIADMK’s hands,” Stalin said.
Patalali Makkal Katchi (PMK) president Anbumani Ramadoss had also voted in favour.
Referring to EPS’ earlier remarks that the CAA did not affect Muslims, Stalin added, “In 2024, because he wanted minority support, EPS did a u-turn on his stance regarding CAA … he called it a historic wrong,” Stalin said.
He concluded by directly challenging the AIADMK leader. “I am asking you now if you have the courage to answer: Do you support or oppose the CAA?”
