Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], April 2 (ANI): BJP leader C.R. Kesavan slammed Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Thursday, asserting that the CM is in a state of panic and is attempting to spin a 'non-existent North-South narrative' ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Speaking to ANI, Kesavan alleged that Stalin has consistently weaponised regional and linguistic identities for electoral gain. He asserted that the people of Tamil Nadu won't be deceived again and now have a clear alternative in the form of the NDA.

Also Read | Nagaland Dear Lottery Sambad Result Today 1 PM Live: Dear Star Thursday Lottery Result of April 2 2026 Declared Online, Watch Lucky Draw Winners List.

"In the last five years, M.K. Stalin's DMK government's only motive has been the development of dynasty and definitely not the development of Tamil Nadu... The 8 crore people of Tamil Nadu have immensely suffered under the DMK misgovernance ... Now, defeat is written very clearly on the wall for M.K. Stalin because one of the reasons for people's resentment is the blatant way in which the DMK government has been promoting dynastic successions... People have firmly resolved to defeat the DMK... M.K. Stalin is in panic and trying to spin a non-existent North-South narrative. He has always tried to use region and language as a political tool to exploit for electoral profit. The people will not be deceived again... The people of Tamil Nadu have a very clear choice in the form of NDA...," said Kesavan.

The remarks of Kesavan came after MK Stalin, who is contesting the upcoming Assembly elections from the Kolathur constituency, held a major election campaign in Tiruchirappalli district on Wednesday and addressed a large public gathering, introducing party candidates for the nine Assembly segments in the district.

Also Read | Gold Silver Prices Today, April 2, 2026: Gold Slips Below INR 1.51 Lakh, Silver Tumbles Over 5% After Donald Trump's Iran Warning.

Addressing the party rally in Tiruchirappalli, Stalin drew contrasts with other states, asserting, "There are no caste clashes in Tamil Nadu, no communal riots like in BJP-ruled states, no mob violence like in Uttar Pradesh, and no continuous unrest like in Manipur. We have also thwarted the conspiracies of the BJP to create such situations here. It is because of the peaceful environment and effective governance under our rule that investments are steadily flowing into Tamil Nadu. We have released a detailed action plan and election manifesto to support this. All the announcements I have made will be fulfilled in the coming days."

Stalin also claimed, "Tamil Nadu has no caste or communal violence like other states. We ensured peace, which is why investments are coming. We have released our plans, and all promises will be fulfilled soon."

Appealing to the electorate, he urged support for all DMK and alliance candidates under the Rising Sun symbol, and said his multiple visits to Tiruchirappalli reflected his commitment to continuing Dravidian rule in the state.

The Tamil Nadu Assembly elections are scheduled to be held on April 23, 2026, to elect all 234 members, with counting of votes set for May 4. (ANI)

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)