Beware of calculations against you: DMK’s oblique caution to AIADMK

The ruling DMK shared a word of caution, albeit oblique, with the AIADMK on the floor of the Assembly on Friday. It warned its electoral rival not to get deceived by factors. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin joined his Cabinet colleague Thangam Thennarasu in expressing concern over the “calculations” facing the AIADMK.

During his reply to the debate on the Budget for 2025-26, Mr. Thennarasu referred to AIADMK MLA P. Thangamani’s concern over the government’s plan to distribute laptops to about 20 lakh students and clarified that the allocation of ₹2,000 crore was only for the first phase.

Recalling the shared history of the parties that were divided only in their principles, Mr. Thennarasu said, “Our beloved Annan Thangamani is doing the calculations of addition and subtraction [koottal kazhithal kanakku] here. But you should not forget that some others are making the calculations for you, sitting somewhere else.”

Without naming any individual or political party, Mr. Thennarasu chose to give an oblique caution. “That too, one person sitting somewhere else, with a cunning knack (chanakya thanthiram) is making the calculations that would water down the future prospects of your party workers and sympathisers.”

In a lighter vein, Mr. Thennarasu called upon Mr. Thangamani not to remain careless as he did with the topic of laptop. “My request to you is: Beware of those who intend to snatch from your lap [madiyil kanam],” the Minister said, to the amusement of the House.

Noticing that BJP legislator Vanathi Srinivasan’s expressions, Mr. Thennarasu quipped: “Honourable member Vanathi Srinivasan is smiling. So, it means the cat is out of the bag!” There was peals of laughter in the House. While former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam was present in the House at that time, Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami was not.

Later in the day, when he got a chance to speak, Mr. Thangamani, seated a row behind Ms. Srinivasan, maintained, “You said we should not be deceived in another calculation. We [the AIADMK] have our own principles. Our leader [Mr. Palaniswami], who has come from a small village, is leading our party. We will not be deceived by any group.”

At this point, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin intervened to say, “Honourable member Thangamani has said they would not be deceived in the alliance calculation. If you are not being deceived, our best wishes to you!” The DMK members split their sides laughing.

Earlier, Mr. Thennarasu said: “While he was in the DMK and even after he left the party and founded his own, we have great respect for Makkal Thilagam MGR [AIADMK founder and former Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran].” He also recalled the late AIADMK leader’s association with Mr. Stalin in the past.