Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Tuesday targeted the DMK-Congress alliance over the Women’s Reservation Bill, echoing the Bharatiya Janata Party’s broader campaign strategy to pitch women’s empowerment as a key electoral issue in Tamil Nadu.
This was Yadav’s first visit to Tamil Nadu during the ongoing Assembly election campaign, and it came on the last day of campaigning. He addressed rallies in Rasipuram, Namakkal district, and Avinashi, Tiruppur district, along with another public meeting, and also took part in roadshows to mobilise support for National Democratic Alliance candidates.
Addressing three back-to-back rallies and holding roadshows on the final day of the campaign on Tuesday, Yadav accused the opposition of denying women their rightful political representation by opposing the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. He said the women of Tamil Nadu should teach a lesson to the Congress and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, adding that by opposing the law, they have deprived women of their rightful entitlements.
Continuing his attack, Yadav said the opposition’s stand on the reservation Bill reflects its resistance to women’s leadership. He said the election is a fight against dynastic politics and in support of women’s dignity, adding that the people’s enthusiasm clearly signals that Tamil Nadu is ready for change and that the lotus will bloom there.
He also criticised the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government over governance and law-and-order issues, alleging that restrictions are imposed during religious events and that devotees face strict action. He described both the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and Congress as dynastic parties and contrasted them with the National Democratic Alliance’s governance model.
Campaigning for National Democratic Alliance candidates, including Union Minister L. Murugan and Dr Prem Kumar, Yadav urged voters to ensure their victory by a large margin. He said a decisive mandate would pave the way for development and good governance in the state.
Referring to PM Modi, Yadav said the National Democratic Alliance stands for inclusive growth and empowerment of the poor and marginalised. He added that the alliance creates opportunities for ordinary workers to rise to leadership roles. He also invoked former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, stating that her legacy of welfare and women’s empowerment aligns with the National Democratic Alliance’s vision.
With campaigning ending, Yadav called upon voters to back National Democratic Alliance candidates decisively, asserting that the verdict would shape the future course of development and governance in Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu will go to the polls in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for June 4.
The election is being seen as a crucial contest between the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led alliance and the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance, which is seeking to expand its presence in the state.