"Let's wait and see": NTK chief Seeman on AIADMK alliance invitation, declares stand against DMK-BJP

Villupuram (Tamil Nadu) [India], July 22 : Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) Chief Coordinator Senthamizhan Seeman, responding to the alliance invitation reportedly extended by AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, said, "Let's wait and see."
Speaking to the media after inaugurating a clinic run by an NTK functionary in Villupuram, Seeman, speaking about the proposal, said, "There are still eight months left for the election. Let's wait and see."
He went on to slam both the BJP and DMK, stating, "BJP says DMK should not come to power, while they themselves align with others and call it Tamil Nadu. But we, NTK, are the only true alternative to both ruling evils. You can't extinguish fire with fire--you need water. Alternating governments from Indian national parties have failed to meet the people's needs. If those in power truly addressed people's demands, why would there even be a need for alternatives? Criticising both Congress and BJP on water issues."
He added, "It's both the BJP and Congress in Karnataka that refuse even a single drop of water to Tamil Nadu. Who truly supports Tamil growth--Congress or Dravidian parties?"
Referring to environmental and resource exploitation, he warned, "In Neyveli, 25,000 acres are being taken for coal mining. They will dig as far as Mannargudi. The areas affected by methane extraction or coal mining can never be rehabilitated. Dravidian parties have shown no concern."
Seeman questioned, "Who imposed NEET? Who brought education under central control, undermining state rights? Who opened the TNPSC exams to outsiders? Who gave 10,000 acres to Dalmia? Who allocated land for Parandur Airport? It was the AIADMK, and now the DMK says they'll build it at all costs. Both parties are to blame."
On BJP's hypocrisy, he alleged, "They claim to oppose BJP, but during Jayalalithaa's time, there were no RSS rallies. Now, under DMK rule, those very rallies are being allowed freely.
He posed a sharp question, "If Congress and BJP fight for Indian unity, then why don't they ensure a single drop of water is given to Tamil Nadu from Karnataka? Who gave them the authority to deny us? When they say 'resources belong to each state,' does that mean the wealth of my land belongs to others?"
Seeman also lamented the loss of Tamil culture and identity: "My language is disappearing. There are temples of Lord Murugan and Lord Shiva where prayers aren't conducted in Tamil. Even in the temple of Aandaal, who sang in Tamil, her hymns aren't sung in our language."
Questioning stat's development, Seeman said, "If the government is truly efficient, why are they borrowing for everything? If transport is properly managed, why do services like Ola and Rapido flourish? Fishermen have lost their rights. 870 fishermen have been shot and killed--no one talks about it. The BJP that claims to be religious--why are they silent on these atrocities? They lack even a basic understanding that breaking the mountains of Mother Earth will turn her into a desert.
Asserting his commitment, Seeman said: "As long as I live, the BJP will not enter Tamil Nadu. The DMK should say the same, but they don't. Instead of spending government money on education and housing, they use it to erect statues of their leaders.
He also added that NTK will build "the largest" alliance in Tamil Nadu, while blaming the voters for electing the candidate, which has led to the state's governance suffering.
"If governance is poor, then those who elected them are also responsible. NTK will build the largest alliance in Tamil Nadu, and I will announce decisions in our party conference," he said.
He also outlined campaign themes, saying, "We will hold a major conference on forests and water in Tamil Nadu. I will not contest separately; I will stand with the people, among the 8 crore Tamils. NTK candidate Abhinaya will contest from Villupuram constituency under the farmer symbol in the assembly election."
The Tamil Nadu Assembly Election will be held in 2026. AIADMK and BJP have already joined hands to face Chief Minister MK Stalin-led DMK.