Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin reaffirmed his party’s commitment to the Muslim community during an outreach event, stressing that the teachings of Prophet Muhammad are already part of the state’s school syllabus. His remarks came in response to SDPI leader Nellai Mubarak’s demand for their inclusion.
Stalin highlighted the Prophet’s principles of equality and compassion, comparing them to the values upheld by Tamil reformist leaders like Periyar and former DMK stalwarts C N Annadurai and M Karunanidhi. He recalled the DMK’s historical support for Muslims, such as declaring Milad-un-Nabi a state holiday in 1969, which was later rescinded under AIADMK rule and reinstated by DMK in 2006.
The Chief Minister also listed recent measures, including 3.5 percent internal reservation for Urdu-speaking Muslims under the BC category, the creation of a Minority Welfare Board, the formation of an Urdu Academy, and the construction of a Haj House near Chennai airport.
Taking aim at the BJP-led central government, Stalin criticised amendments to the Waqf law, noting that the DMK’s legal efforts secured a stay from the Supreme Court. He accused AIADMK of betraying Muslims on issues like the Citizenship Amendment Act and Triple Talaq. He pointed to defections from AIADMK to DMK, including senior leader Anwar Raja, as evidence of growing dissatisfaction.
Stalin also called on Muslim leaders to unite against parties aligned with the BJP’s politics. Expressing solidarity with global Muslim concerns, he urged New Delhi to take firm steps to stop the suffering in Gaza.
