Tiruvarur, In a stark warning about the potential national implications of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) re-election, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President MK Stalin highlighted concerns over the erosion of state autonomy and democratic values in India.

According to Kashmir Media Service, during a campaign event in Koradacherry, Stalin expressed fears that the fate which befell Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of its special status could extend to all Indian states under continued BJP governance. He emphasized that the upcoming election is critical for the preservation of India’s democratic and federal structure, suggesting that a BJP victory could lead to a centralized authoritarian governance model, undermining the autonomy and democratic framework of states.

Stalin referenced the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, where, following the revocation of its special status and bifurcation into two union territories, the region has not held elections for five years, contrasting this with the democratic processes elsewhere in the country. He asserted that such centralizing actions by the BJP pose a threat to the democratic fabric and state autonomy across India, including Tamil Nadu.

The Chief Minister’s comments also targeted the central government’s leadership, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of authoritarianism and cautioning that his continued rule could be detrimental to both Tamil Nadu and the broader Indian polity.