Chennai, July 25 -- Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has slammed the AIADMK, accusing it of desperately trying to pave the way for the BJP to make inroads in the State. He also termed the 2026 Assembly election in the State "a battle to protect our land, pride, and mother tongue."

"AIADMK is desperately trying to pave the way for the BJP. But as long as there are cadres in black and red, saffron will never gain ground in Tamil Nadu," Udhayanidhi Stalin said while addressing a DMK booth agents' meeting here on Thursday.

"Edappadi K Palaniswami (AIADMK General Secretary) once confidently said there would be no alliance with the BJP. Yet, he switched lanes, went into hiding, and secretly struck a deal. This betrayal must...