Rajnath Singh strongly criticized the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam because the changes to the Nari Shakti Vandhan Adhiniyam (women’ and power strengthening act) didn’t pass in Parliament. At campaign events in Tamil Nadu, Singh said the DMK and those who work with them stopped the 33% reservation for women in the government, and the National Democratic Alliance will really try again.
Accusation over women reservation defeat
Singh stated that the DMK, Congress, and Trinamool Congress caused the 33% of seats in Parliament and state governments that would be for women to not happen. He said this was a political reason for women not being represented that the BJP-led group wants to try again.
Despite the setback in Parliament, Singh insisted the NDA will pass a law for women’s reservations. He stressed how determined the party is to get the law back and said people voting should look at what parties have done and will do for women’s equality.
Campaign context and local candidates
Singh spoke at rallies for Anandhan Ayyasamy (running in Vasudevanallur) and S P Balakrishnan (running in Radhapuram), both important areas in the April 23rd election. His speeches combined promises about what the government will do, with asking for votes from people in the local area.
These events allowed Singh to connect issues important to the whole country with campaigning in the region. He used this chance to criticize how the DMK is running the state, while also talking about programs from the central government and promises specifically for people in Tamil Nadu.
Cultural claims and the Karthigai Deepam issue
Singh also discussed a disagreement about religion at Thiruparankundram hill, and said the Karthigai Deepam lights will be lit again if the BJP is in charge of the state government. He mentioned a long-held tradition that was stopped because of issues that happened before.
The lighting stopped after something in February and inflamed feelings of people in the area and resulted in the police having to get involved. Singh used this incident to criticize the way the state government is being run, and connected bringing back the culture with a change in government.
Development pledges and farmer support
Regarding progress, Singh mentioned a defence area in Tamil Nadu, and said only one other state has one. He said investments in infrastructure and security are a sign of more economic opportunities.
If the BJP wins in the state, Singh promised to increase the yearly amount of financial help for farmers from 6,000 crore rupees to 9,000 crore rupees. He also said he would give money tied to festivals and three free gas tanks for each household as help to those who need it.
Political implications and voter calculus
Singh’s statements tie problems at the national level in getting laws passed with his local campaign strategy. He hopes to get people to support him and his promises and to honor the culture, and turn unhappiness with the current government into votes for the BJP and its allies.
The way Singh is campaigning says the DMK is stopping things from happening, but is also offering people specific advantages and showing respect for traditions. Whether people actually go to vote will rely on what’s important to them in the local area – progress, culture and women having a voice.
