Kanimozhi interview

[0:00] Hello and welcome to the News Minute. [0:02] The countdown for Tamil Nadu elections have begun [0:04] and the state is witnessing an intense four-cornered contest [0:14] between the DMK-led front, the AIA-DMK-led NDA, [0:19] actor-turned-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vitrik Kadagam [0:21] and Seemaan's Naam Tamilarkachi. [0:24] As the poll battle heats up, [0:26] I sat down with DMK's parliamentary party leader, [0:29] Kanimoli Karnanidhi, who played a crucial role [0:32] in firming up the alliances with the Congress party [0:34] to talk about the achievements of the DMK government, [0:38] the failures and the poll promises. [0:42] Our team of reporters are on ground in all the poll-bound states [0:45] to bring you a sense of what's happening on ground, [0:49] conversations revolving around this election [0:51] and issues that are ignored by the mainstream media. [0:54] If you like our work, if you want us to continue our coverage, [0:58] scan this QR code and contribute to our reporting fund. [1:02] Ma'am, thank you so much for talking to us. [1:04] According to you, from a national point of view, [1:09] how important are these elections, state elections, [1:12] particularly states like West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu are going to polls. [1:17] These are the states that have been challenging for the BJP. [1:20] It is very important for the democracy [1:26] and the secular fabric of this nation [1:30] that these states are protected [1:33] and they stand against the BJP. [1:36] And the United States, [1:37] the United States, the United States, the United States, [1:37] because we see that state rights are being chipped away [1:43] in every bill which is being passed in the parliament. [1:47] And we have other challenges like one nation, one election [1:50] and everything becomes one, language imposition [1:54] and minorities are threatened all over the country [1:59] and people are being isolated. [2:03] And actually, the growth and development of the nation [2:07] and the development of the country, [2:07] the youth, their future, their employment, [2:11] all this is not being taken care of or discussed and debated. [2:16] Whereas hate politics is becoming the, you know, [2:20] political debate and it's being weaponized. [2:26] Religion is becoming weaponized. [2:27] And these are the states which stand against it. [2:31] And these are the states which are a hope to this nation. [2:35] So I think in that way, these elections are very, very important. [2:38] And how do you see the BJP's aggressive politics in these states [2:44] to try and capture some kind of foothold in these states? [2:49] Because in West Bengal, we know what's happening, [2:51] the ASAR and the BJP's politics in West Bengal, [2:55] particularly with the hate speeches all over. [2:58] And then in Kerala, there is some amount of polarization that is happening. [3:02] In Tamil Nadu, there have been attempts to polarize the state, [3:05] particularly with regards to Tirupar Gundam. [3:07] Tirupar Gundam, yes. [3:08] What is the situation in Tamil Nadu? [3:08] What is resisting, you know, the BJP in these states? [3:14] See, because the political understanding of the people, [3:20] they actually believe in democracy much more strongly. [3:27] And I think that is keeping the BJP away from these states. [3:31] And not that others don't. [3:35] But sometimes, you know, people do get convinced thinking, [3:40] that, you know, there are other benefits and other things which are important. [3:45] But I think people in these states, the political narrative [3:49] of the other political parties other than the BJP in those states, [3:54] have been able to, you know, engage with the people and make them understand [3:59] that, you know, if we do not protect our state, then whatever we've held on to, [4:07] whatever development we've achieved, whatever the state's standards are, [4:10] what the state stands for, everything will be wiped away. [4:14] So that way, I think the political parties here have been able to convey [4:20] and make the people understand that what that state stands for, [4:27] their identity is very important. [4:30] And what is DMK's overarching theme in this election? [4:33] Like you said, the narrative in this election, because in 2019, [4:38] it was the anti-BJP poll plank. [4:41] It, you know, gave benefits to the DMK. [4:44] In 2021, it was somewhat the same narrative that the DMK came up with. [4:48] What is the narrative that the DMK is setting? [4:51] The Chief Minister has clearly said that this is Tamil Nadu's election against the NDA. [4:56] Delhi. [4:57] Yes. [4:58] Delhi versus Tamil Nadu. [4:59] No. [5:00] The entire alliance is against Tamil Nadu, Tamil Nadu's development, [5:04] what Tamil Nadu stands for, the secular fab break and secularism and [5:11] Tamil Nadu and the peace of Tamil Nadu. [5:15] So it is Tamil Nadu against the Hindutva ideology or whoever goes with it because of elections. [5:27] Some say that the anti-BJP rhetoric has been overused by the DMK and it's like kind of [5:32] dying down in the state. [5:34] How do you respond to that? [5:35] See, we do not want to, you know, make this election. [5:40] We want to make this election. [5:41] We want to make this election only about development or broad progress and about a vision for [5:48] Tamil Nadu. [5:49] But who pulls us back to talk about secularism because in Tamil Nadu, secularism is taken [5:56] for granted. [5:57] We believe that we can all, we all live together and we live together. [6:01] We've never had issues, you know, based on religion or anything like that. [6:07] We live as one. [6:09] But who's pulling us back into these dialogues and debates? [6:12] It is the BJP. [6:15] I think they tried their luck in Tiruparangondram but Tamil Nadu people have made it very clear [6:23] to them that it doesn't work here. [6:25] But definitely they will keep bringing back issues like this during the election. [6:30] And I think this is something we have to fight against. [6:35] DMK has always stood against caste and religious politics. [6:42] And we have to ensure that...I mean, India is a country. [6:43] India is a country. [6:44] India is a country. [6:46] India is one country. [6:47] But everybody, it is unity and in diversity. [6:52] So everybody's identity, our language, who we are is important. [6:56] And everybody has their way of worship, their way of belief, their way of life. [7:02] I think a country has to respect that. [7:05] You can wipe that away. [7:06] So why do you think that, you know, Tamil Nadu rejects or resists politics of polarization? [7:12] Because we want development. [7:14] If you're going to talk about tail. [7:16] If you're going to talk about hate, I don't think that state can have development. [7:19] Tamil Nadu proudly can say that we've touched 16 percent national development and our numbers [7:26] are going high. [7:27] Our GDP is high. [7:28] I think that is important. [7:29] When you're going to have hate mongering and you're going to have communal clashes, there's [7:37] no security for anybody. [7:40] Can I send my children to school and feel completely safe about it? [7:43] Can the next generation be safe? [7:44] Can I send my children to school and feel completely safe about it? [7:46] Can the next generation be safe? [7:47] Can the next generation feel safe? [7:49] Can they think about employment? [7:51] Can they think about a better life when you're fighting communal clashes and politics here? [7:58] Having said that, ma'am, but... [8:00] It's not good for anybody. [8:02] But the growth of BJP in Tamil Nadu has been, you know, they have achieved 11 percent vote [8:07] share. [8:08] A party that was there at 3 percent is now at 11 percent. [8:15] There is a perception that BJP is growing in Tamil Nadu. [8:17] Yeah. [8:18] There is a perception which they were creating that BJP is growing in Tamil Nadu. [8:22] I think after this election, we will know where they are. [8:24] You don't think so that they are growing? [8:26] You don't think so that they have managed to, you know, capture the imagination of people [8:30] in certain pockets of the state? [8:32] See, I cannot deny that, yes, I mean, from what they were, they might have been able [8:40] to engage with people in certain pockets. [8:43] And the AIADMK which said that they will never ever go back. [8:48] Yeah. [8:49] And who made promises to people in Tamil Nadu that they will never ally with the BJP have [8:55] gone back. [8:56] Do you think that the AIADMK has become a vehicle for the BJP to, you know, gain in [9:03] roads in Tamil Nadu? [9:04] Definitely. [9:05] Definitely. [9:06] Today, I mean, you can see that who is the driving force, who is the deciding force behind [9:12] the alliance. [9:15] It is not the ADMK, I mean, they might be contesting more seats. [9:18] But you know where the decisions are. [9:19] You know where the decisions are made. [9:21] You know who's making those decisions. [9:25] As an arch rival of the AIADMK, do you feel that there is some sort of a change in the [9:30] character of the party? [9:33] The AIADMK is a secular party, you know, but do you think that somewhere their character [9:39] has been changed? [9:40] Totally. [9:41] I mean, actually, I feel sad, I've said that in, you know, my speeches in other places [9:47] also. [9:48] But I actually, I'm worried for them and… [9:53] Worried for AIADMK? [9:54] Definitely. [9:55] Because secularism was an important ideology for them and they could not move away totally. [10:07] I mean, they believed it or not and they really, you know, fought for it or not. [10:13] At least they could not move away entirely. [10:16] Today, they're prepared to remove Periyar's picture. [10:19] Hmm. [10:20] But their allies are not happy with it. [10:24] So you've lost, you've lost your identity as a political party. [10:30] What is the agenda that the DMK is banking on in this election? [10:34] See, we are talking about a vision for Tamil Nadu, a development for Tamil Nadu, more employment, [10:42] growth, this and better life. [10:47] This is not just a poll promise. [10:49] We have delivered in the past five years and based on that. [10:54] Today, the manifesto, what the Chief Minister had told us and the decision made by the committee [11:01] was we will only promise what can be delivered. [11:06] Nothing which cannot be delivered and which does not have a long-term impact, we are not [11:13] going to promise anything like that. [11:16] So it is actually a policy or a vision document for the future of Tamil Nadu. [11:21] So that is what we are talking about. [11:24] Okay. [11:25] We don't want to be drawn into, you know, religious politics or Hindutva or anything [11:33] like that. [11:34] We want to talk about development. [11:35] We want to talk about a better future for the people of Tamil Nadu. [11:39] Having said that, when it comes to the manifesto, there have been a lot of criticism. [11:44] The manifestos of both the Dravidian parties have drawn enough criticism. [11:47] If AIADMK is promising a washing machine, the DMK is promising them 8,000 worth coupons [11:54] where you can buy washing machine. [11:56] TV, microwave oven or mixie or whatever, you know, the requirement is. [12:01] You know, these promises have drawn significant criticism. [12:05] So like how do you respond to this criticism? [12:10] Like do you see this as a freebie or what is the rationale behind this? [12:12] I don't see it as a freebie. [12:15] I see it as a social investment. [12:20] I am sure you are familiar with patimandrams. [12:24] When, you know, men speak over there. [12:27] And they talk about... [12:28] How women work at home. [12:30] The first criticism is using a grinder because their mother never used and, you know, she [12:36] made that dosa batter with, you know, the motor and yes, and they used ammis and they [12:43] had never used mixies. [12:46] But whereas they would have, you know, taken a flight and a car to come to the venue, which [12:52] their grandfathers did not. [12:55] So this is... [12:56] And actually we should understand how much of time... [12:58] It takes away from a woman's life. [13:04] When yesterday in my press meet also I had said, when Kalinger, when he was the chief [13:09] minister, Kaliwar Kalinger, he gave the double burner gas stove. [13:14] And when officers said, you know, it's a pole promise to give a gas stove, not double burner [13:20] one. [13:21] So it will half the cost, let us give one. [13:23] He said, no, I want to give a double burner one because this woman will finish cooking [13:27] faster. [13:28] Because the entire, you know, running the house. [13:29] There was no gas stove. [13:30] There was no gas stove. [13:31] So the entire family has to do all those duties, fallen women in India. [13:35] And let her finish cooking, let her get out of the kitchen, let her do something she wants [13:40] to do with her life. [13:41] So the same thing is they're not giving them money. [13:44] They're not saying you buy anything you want. [13:48] Because if you say that, no family is going to say, okay, I'll make your life easier. [13:51] I'll get you a fridge where you can cook, keep and then take it and heat it later. [13:57] You can save time. [13:58] They're not going to invest in that. [14:00] They're not going to say, okay. [14:01] We will buy some appliance which will make your life easier. [14:06] This is to ensure that the woman's life is easier. [14:10] And she can get out of her house, she can use that time to do what she wants. [14:15] We have nearly 42% women working in Tamil Nadu, the work force is women in Tamil Nadu. [14:23] So why can't we make their lives easier? [14:26] So the BJP terms it as a revadi culture and some say that it's competitive populism [14:33] that these Dravidian parties are engaging into. [14:37] See, we are, I told you, we are promising things which will be a social investment like [14:44] the breakfast scheme which the CM, it was not a poll promise but of course, that scheme [14:50] was taken up and now we promised in our manifesto that we will make sure 15 lakh students will [14:58] benefit from it because aid in schools and it will be increased. [15:03] The students will benefit from it. [15:04] And still aid standard will be included in the breakfast scheme. [15:07] That is not for both politics, it is for the future of the children so that they will be [15:13] healthy and they can concentrate on studies much better. [15:18] So our manifesto, our promises, we've been very clear that they have to be a social investment [15:26] for social justice for the people of the state. [15:30] We are not promising, okay, 10,000 rupees cash into your hands. [15:34] Which the IADMK has given. [15:35] Yes. [15:36] The IADMK has announced after your manifesto. [15:37] After because, yes, because of this. [15:40] That yes, is competition. [15:42] He has been saying we are copying their manifesto, unfortunately, I think because we promised [15:48] 8,000 rupees as vouchers, today they are saying we will give you 10,000 rupees. [15:54] That is something for the polls because they are getting desperate. [16:00] As far as DMK manifesto is concerned, there is this perception that DMK manifesto is dubbed [16:06] as a supermarket. [16:08] Superstar or a hero that can win an election, that can sway the voters of Tamil Nadu. [16:14] Like we have seen the manifesto of 2006 where Kalanjar promised colour TV, which was a promise [16:21] that resonated well with people, they were immediately able to capture that and respond [16:26] to it. [16:27] Similarly, the 2021 manifesto where you promised 1,000 rupees for housewives, those are promises [16:35] that people are immediately able to catch on to. [16:39] As far as this manifesto is concerned, it appears that the DMK is doing a lot of explaining [16:47] because it lacks some kind of punch. [16:51] So you are saying that this does not have something, you know, populist. [16:57] Is that what you are saying? [16:58] Something that people can immediately, you know. [17:01] To move people to vote for DMK because we do not want to make any promise, we have delivered [17:08] enough. [17:09] Okay. [17:10] We have delivered enough and people understand even if we do not promise, if it is possible, [17:17] we will do it in the next five years and we are going with the credit of what we are asking [17:25] people to vote for us based on what we have delivered in the past five years and whatever [17:30] we promised today will be delivered and much more will be delivered in the next five years. [17:37] So we are not competing with the DMK. [17:39] You yourself have agreed that we are not competing. [17:42] We are not trying to woo people with any announcements. [17:46] Fancy announcements. [17:50] Also like most of these announcements are targeting women. [17:53] Why is that so? [17:54] It is half the population and I think, you know, they have been left behind in the growth, [18:04] in society, in many ways and I think we have to reach out to them and they make their lives [18:09] better and empower them. [18:11] Is it also because... [18:13] We are reaching to, I mean, we have reached out to sections across, you know, the board [18:20] but definitely this is half the population and they have to be empowered. [18:25] Is it also because Vijay is getting lot of support from the women voters in Tamil Nadu? [18:35] Is that a concern? [18:36] Did Vijay... [18:37] No. [18:38] Did Vijay... [18:39] You know, start a party for... [18:40] Yes. [18:41] Yes. [18:42] Yes. [18:43] Yes. [18:44] I think how much... [18:46] I have seen in 21. [18:47] No. [18:48] Not in 21. [18:49] No. [18:50] Not in 21. [18:51] But the Women Empowerment Scheme which is the Kallangar Magali Urimai Thogai that was [18:55] promised in 21. [18:56] 21. [18:57] Yes. [18:58] So that was towards women and the Pudhumai Penta Tettam that was started during [19:04] the... before... much before TVK was started. [19:08] Right. [19:09] So we... [19:10] And Kallangar promised... [19:11] You know these... [19:12] Double burner, double. [19:13] burner, gas stoves to women and Magalir Suye Udhavi Kuzhukul was started you know much [19:20] before any other party was around and these 25,000 rupees for girls who finished their [19:28] 10th standard was for women's education. So, DMK has consistently worked towards empowering [19:37] women. It is not that it's something new. Who do you think is the main contender for [19:44] the DMK in this election? Is this the AIADMK, BJP Alliance or a new entrant TBK? [19:52] I don't think we have to worry about that because we are going by what we have achieved [20:04] and what we have done for the people and that is what we are talking and that's what we [20:08] are going to continue talking about and I think the people are with us and I am very [20:14] confident. Do you believe that Vijay is a sovereign [20:17] spoiler or a disruptor what is your take like as a political party what is your understanding about [20:23] tvk because he's a new entrant uh a lot of people even from your own party say that this is going to [20:29] be a very different election so when you say that actually i what has changed on ground no i cannot [20:36] honestly answer that because we have to wait for the elections and only then i can really answer [20:43] i don't think even you can do it i mean i'm sure you've been on the field and you also understand [20:50] and i i it's a question nobody can answer but i don't think dmk has to worry about that i'm very [21:00] so vijay is not a threat to dmk it's not a threat but i don't know who's what and what [21:06] his strength is going to be in the field i don't think i have answers is he not going to take away [21:14] the vote [21:14] votes of ai admk at least as a as a rival you should at least say that i think or maybe no no [21:21] maybe he he maybe he would he if whatever votes he gets he will take from somebody i'm sure [21:27] um i think the ai admk has to worry about that not us but vijay has been constantly trying to [21:34] position himself against the dmk when he calls the dmk what is the reaction of everybody wants to [21:43] position the [21:45] election themselves against the dmk uh madame jaya lalitha herself [21:50] said this is a parubariation so everybody wants to do that so that [21:56] they become important only when you target the dmk [22:00] can you set a narrative for yourself if you're going to talk about anybody else [22:07] i know you're going to be not taken so seriously anything you say against the dmk [22:14] i think uh the media also but government itself they are going to say anything in the name of the dmk you know you take the arts malch Raancl for your money business which is not even in commitment basically but md Grinty can also say that is not anають department sorry but but with dmk as well who says that they are not taking such well on actualignant that u can do something in the form of 61 twenty thousand dollars to weary [22:15] media also picks it up with more interest. So that is why everybody targets the DMK and [22:20] then obviously you would target the party which is going to win the elections and maybe [22:27] they will not target others because of other reasons. [22:31] So when Vijay constantly makes this comparison or makes this election fight saying the fight [22:37] is only between TVK and DMK or DMK versus TVK, how do you see this election panning [22:45] out? Is this DMK versus all or who is your principal opposition? [22:52] I find it very strange that a party does not talk about ADMK or about BJP and they only [23:01] target the DMK. I find it very strange. So you do want to have questions like who is [23:11] backing you and what is the reason you are here? [23:14] So you can be a little open about it. [23:17] If you have some questions, you can ask me. [23:18] If you have some questions, you can ask, our viewers will definitely understand. [23:22] What questions do you have? [23:23] No, I really don't understand why a political party and a leadership, why does it always [23:30] only target the DMK? They do not have anything, any questions to the BJP or the AIADMK and [23:40] initially the AIADMK was trying to be very nice to the TVK and now as elections are getting [23:48] closer, yes, they are moving apart but still both of them have taken it on themselves only [23:55] to target the DMK. So on that, they are on the same line. So people should understand. [24:03] Also when it comes to the governance aspect of it for the DMK, there have been a lot of [24:08] criticisms particularly when it comes to crime against women, when it comes to custodial [24:15] violence, caste atrocities. The opposition says that the DMK has failed. [24:22] see an ideal society will be one without all this and we also everybody aspires for something like [24:32] that but unfortunately things do happen and i'm not justifying it at all it should not happen it [24:38] should not have happened at all but at least when something like this happens the dmk government has [24:46] made sure that there is justice and the perpetrators of the crime have been arrested [24:53] and there is justice unfortunately we've seen what happened with aia dmk even the polachi case [25:00] they were protecting the uh people behind the crime and the criminals so they don't have any [25:08] right to talk about the dmk government i think we have and the chief minister has ensured that [25:17] there is justice and people who have committed a mistake or crime have been punished the dmk [25:26] has taken that very seriously despite being in government you have been vocal [25:31] about it when something against women happens crime against women happens you [25:36] have responded and you have taken it up when it comes to human rights records of [25:42] the DMK government there has been a major concern you are an MP from to [25:47] Tukudi you know what happened to Benix Jairaz you know the verdict is out the [25:51] cops have been found guilty you stood with the family members and promised [25:55] that another incident like Sadhan Kulam will never happen in Tamil Nadu but after [26:00] that we see more than 30 such incidents happening in the state like then the [26:05] question comes what what exactly is happening like is the police completely [26:10] out of control no CM has taken action against you know the police involved in [26:19] this I think we need to have a wider and deeper [26:28] introspection [26:29] into how to stop this and how to make sure that this never happens again I I [26:38] definitely think this is a concern and we have to seriously address it and what [26:45] do you think will fix accountability when something like this happens like [26:49] immediate action is something that is recorded it's always taken immediate [26:53] action and you know people behind it have been punished and you are someone [27:02] who saved the alliance literally the dmk congress alliance like i think i can't say that okay [27:09] maybe off record you did a lot of things to ensure that the alliance is intact but what happened [27:17] between dmk and congress why did like did you ever imagine that there will be a point where [27:23] congress will be you know talking tough they'll be demanding more more seats or like the alliance [27:29] will reach a breaking point see every political party i think it is justified when they want more [27:37] seats and they want to you know accommodate more of their can party candidates and the party which [27:46] is leading the alliance also will want to have more seats so it is you know taking the interest [27:52] of their party into consideration and giving it the first priority uh i think it's just in [27:59] among [28:00] every party in the alliance there will be a point where you know it becomes very difficult [28:07] and it looks very heated up because we are fighting for our party and then i think after [28:13] that everything smoothens out just give us some insights into what is that fight like [28:17] because see uh you know when things are okay when things are smooth when things are fine there are [28:24] other people other people who are handling the affairs when things get complicated you are the [28:29] one i believe is [28:30] pushed into it or maybe i i believe like you you you have done a lot of troubleshooting for the dmk [28:36] from whatever i know so what is the situation like like the kind of situation that you have [28:41] you know it doesn't happen with one single party alone i think when we are talking about the best [28:49] interests of our own party then other people do get offended and uh there's a little bit of [28:58] friction and misunderstandings i think everything gets ironed out and then you know you have to [29:02] stand out [29:09] because ideologically or together and i don't think it comes to a breaking point maybe people [29:18] posture to that uh but i think there is a basic understanding that we will be together that [29:27] doesn't break and i think that is what gives you the confidence to work and make sure that everything can [29:29] become all right also so you had a tough time in dealing with the congress party this election [29:30] no no not at all dealing with rahul gandhi was not tough or truly you needed to be a part of it [29:33] chodankar was not tough no they are friends i don't think it's so difficult to deal with [29:39] anybody in the congress i mean we've been working with the congress for many years and [29:43] most of them are very good friends and and the chief minister and the congress leadership also [29:51] share a very warm relationship and the dmk was very firm that we will only give this these many [29:57] seats to our allies be it the cpi cpm or the vck so like see actually more parties were brought [30:07] into the alliance you have to accommodate them and dmk was prepared to take less seats [30:14] so this time the mk is contesting uh you know nearly uh more than 164 yes less much less than [30:22] last time and uh but then you have uh people contesting we are having an [30:27] alliance partners who are [30:29] Contesting in the symbol of DMK because you know it's an established symbol in the minds [30:34] of people. [30:35] So, they are contesting, but it's not DMK seats, it is alliance partners who are contesting [30:41] in the DMK symbol. [30:42] So, DMK has it's not been firm, we are taking less seats and the party leadership has you [30:50] know accepted that we will take less seats and we will share more seats with the alliance [30:55] partners. [30:56] So, alliance partners are not happy with this decision of the DMK, I think. [31:00] Not at all, yesterday CM had a tea with all the alliance partners. [31:05] It mandated a tea party to iron out differences. [31:08] No, no, the manifesto committee was also invited, we didn't, they didn't have any iron and I [31:14] was there a witness to it and I don't think there was any ironing out. [31:18] Everybody was saying that we will stand together and we will fight this election and win it. [31:24] That is what everybody was saying. [31:26] Everybody was talking about misunderstandings. [31:28] There's no misunderstanding, the alliance is like firm. [31:30] I think, I think they are, everybody is like what I said, we are fighting for more space, [31:38] but everybody is fighting with the understanding that this is an ideological alliance and we [31:43] will stand together and we are, everybody understands that more parties have been you [31:49] know invited into the alliance and they also have to be accommodated. [31:53] You know what came out was the perception that DMK. [31:56] DMK is trying to play the role of a big brother, is that so? [32:02] See DMK is the, I mean for no better term, like it is the you know focus point where, [32:14] who is bringing all the alliances together and it is kind of the head of the alliance [32:19] also. [32:22] So we have to you know, Congress might want a seat with another alliance partner, so somebody [32:28] has to be there to you know. [32:30] Be between and sort it out. [32:34] So that is what actually the DMK had to do. [32:37] So you are being as guarded as you are, usually you are. [32:42] A couple of questions ma'am, VCK Chief Thirumavallavan is contesting in Kartu Mannar Kovid. [32:49] After 10 years, he says that he wants to focus on state politics. [32:53] How do you see his return into state politics? [32:56] Like what is your views of that? [32:58] It is a decision which. [33:00] That his party has made and he is a very seasoned leader and he know what is best and [33:10] sometimes yes, the kind of you know space which is shrinking in. [33:18] The opposition space? [33:21] The opposition space in the parliament. [33:24] So maybe he thinks you know, he can do better here you know, because actually nothing happens, [33:31] they don't even let us debate on many important bills and the opinion of the opposition is [33:38] not even taken into consideration. [33:41] So maybe he thinks you know, what is the point in working in a space where there is no democracy. [33:48] Having said that, the one thing that I wanted to ask you, you must have figured out what [33:53] I am going to ask you. [33:55] Thirumavallavan is coming back to. [33:56] I can never figure out what you are going to ask. [33:59] Thirumavallavan is coming back to state politics. [34:01] When is Kanimuli? [34:02] When is Kanimuli going to contest in Tamil Nadu elections? [34:05] Like this time, there was a buzz that you wanted, you were willing to contest in the [34:10] elections. [34:11] See, I have always said, I will do what the party wants me to do and I think party is [34:17] supreme and party is the most important thing for me. [34:20] So I will do what the party wants me to do. [34:23] So the party does not want you to contest elections this time is what. [34:26] No, I am not saying, no I am not saying what the, I mean we had a discussion about anything [34:30] like that. [34:31] I am just saying whatever the party. [34:32] But you are willing. [34:32] You are willing to do what your party. [34:33] If party wants me to be here, I will be here. [34:34] If party wants me to, you know, be in parliament, I am very happy to be in parliament. [34:39] I have spent enough years there and I am quite comfortable in parliament and I like working [34:47] there and I have no issues. [34:50] No, what party wants is one thing. [34:53] What your heart wants, like what Kanimuli Karnanidhi wants is also another thing. [34:57] The party could have asked you. [34:58] See, I am, I am working with the people here, I mean whether I am in parliament or, you [35:02] know, I am working with the people here, I am, you know, I spend a lot of time in my [35:09] constituency and I like working with people. [35:12] So I am very happy working with people. [35:14] But there is a time that you want to come back and you want to work here in the state [35:18] as well. [35:19] See, in politics you can never say, I mean what the future, in life you can never say [35:24] what the future holds for you and in politics whatever the party decides I will do. [35:30] Right ma'am. [35:31] Thank you so much for talking to us. [35:32] Pleasure interacting with you and all the best for your campaign ma'am. [35:35] Thanks a lot. [35:36] Thank you.