Christianity, Dravidian ideology preach compassion, humanitarianism, says Udhayanidhi Stalin

Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin slammed the BJP-led Central government which, he said, had only hatred towards Tamils and Tamil Nadu and was dividing people on the lines of religion, language and caste.

Participating in the Christmas celebrations organised by The Synod of Pentecostal Churches in Madurai on Thursday, Mr. Udhayanidhi said the principles of Christianity and the Dravidian ideology were similar as both preached humanitarianism, compassion and equality towards others.

Referring to the birth of Jesus in a humble household, he said it broke the notion that leaders were born in palaces. Jesus was the people’s leader. Similarly leaders from the Dravidar Kazhagam such as Periyar, Anna and Kalaignar were from humble backgrounds and became the leaders of the masses.

“I am standing in Madurai and telling them (the Central government) that their attempts to divide the people will not work in Tamil Nadu. People of Tamil Nadu will not allow it. The fascist ideology will be defeated by the people”, he said. 

Another lesson one could learn from Jesus was sharing with others. The Dravidian Model also said the same: share with others. Here people followed the principle of everything for everyone. However, the Centre was not interested in sharing. They took tax from Tamil Nadu, but ignored Tamil Nadu. Still, Tamil Nadu was among the best-performing States in the country, he noted.

He said the DMK government would always stand for brotherhood, equality, social justice and secularism. No ideology could separate the unity it had with the minorities, such as Muslims and Christians. They also had faith in the DMK and supported it. The State government had implemented welfare schemes for the benefit of the people.

Like Christmas, the people would come together to celebrate Ramzan and Pongal, and stand united against hate politics, he said. He wished people a happy Christmas and cut the cake. He also distributed welfare assistance to a number of beneficiaries at the event.

Minister for Commercial Taxes and Registration P. Moorthy and School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi were also present at the event.