Opposition States Rally Against Centre: Tamil Nadu & Bengal Lead Charge
In a bold political move, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal—two key opposition-ruled states—have stepped up their resistance against the Central government and the Election Commission (EC). The DMK in Tamil Nadu has organized an all-party meeting to counter alleged central agency overreach, while Bengal’s TMC has accused the EC of bias in delaying by-polls. These clashes highlight escalating tensions between non-BJP states and the Centre ahead of the 2024 elections.
DMK’s All-Party Meet: Challenging Central “Interference”
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s DMK has called an all-party meeting on June 27 to address increasing scrutiny from central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Income Tax Department. The meeting follows raids on DMK allies, which the party claims are politically motivated before the 2024 polls.
Key points:
– Participants include Congress, VCK, and Left parties.
– DMK alleges BJP is using agencies to target opposition states (Jharkhand, Delhi, Bengal).
– Analysts say the move aims to unite regional forces against BJP’s dominance.
“This is a strategic move to expose BJP’s misuse of power,” says Chennai political expert N. Sathiya Moorthy.
TMC vs Election Commission: “Bias in By-Poll Delay”
West Bengal’s TMC has accused the EC of unfairly postponing by-elections for four vacant assembly seats (Ballygunge, Asansol South, Jangipur, Ranaghat Dakshin), citing BJP’s electoral interests.
TMC’s allegations:
– By-polls in BJP-ruled states (UP, Tripura) were announced faster.
– Derek O’Brien (TMC) tweeted: “EC’s silence proves BJP fears defeat.”
EC’s response: Delays are due to monsoon logistics and security concerns.
Opposition Unity Ahead of 2024?
The DMK and TMC’s actions reflect a broader opposition strategy to counter BJP’s central dominance. Key developments:
– DMK may inspire similar meetings in other states.
– TMC’s EC fight could lead to legal challenges or protests.
Experts suggest this coordinated pushback signals a fiercer political battle before 2024.
What’s Next?
- Will more opposition states join the resistance?
- Will the EC address TMC’s allegations?
- How will BJP respond to growing opposition unity?
The clash between the Centre and states is now a high-stakes fight over federalism and power.
— Reported by NextMinuteNews Political Desk
