Day 1 Roundup: India Today Conclave South

The India Today Conclave South-2021 that kicked off on Friday discussed a wide range of topics from elections to entertainment. Politicians, entertainers and industrialists spoke of several issues the southern states were facing in the path of progress.

In the run-up to the Assembly elections in three states – Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Kerala, the Day 1 sessions of the two-day event gave an insight into several factors affecting the socio-political developments in the region. Prominent businessmen and celebrities from the film industry too voiced their opinion at the sessions.

Alliance with BJP only for victory: Palaniswami

In the opening session on Day 1, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami, who used the platform to debate challenge DMK chief and Opposition leader MK Stalin for a public debate, said that his party AIADMK forged an alliance with the BJP only for poll victory but that the ideologies of both parties were different. The BJP is keen on gaining ground in the southern states and is tying up with the existing parties to make its voice heard. TN polls are scheduled on April 6 in a single phase.

Dismissing assumptions that AIADMK’s alliance with the BJP would wean the minority vote bank away from the party, Palaniswami stressed that every state should have a good rapport with the Centre to fulfil promises made to the electorate. He said alliances are forged ahead of elections only with an eye on victory.

Congress senior leader and former Union minister P. Chidambaram agreed that their party was in trouble but said it was gearing up for a long battle against Modi model of politics. However, he said that the Congress was not down and out.

Kamal Haasan given legacy of MGR by people

DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, who served jail in connection with the 2G spectrum case, said she had learnt a lot from her trials and tribulations.  On politics, she said that hate and divisive politics would not work in Tamil Nadu. She said that BJP will not be allowed in Tamil Nadu.

A discussion on can anyone fill MGR’s shoes was saw Sripriya, actor and State Secretary, HQ Propaganda, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) of film star Kamal Hassan say the legacy of MGR was bestowed on Kamal by the people.

AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Sathyan hailed MGR as Yugpurush. DMK MP T.K.S. Elangovan and  R.Kannan, author of MGR: A Life also took part in the discussion.

Be careful in voicing opinion on government: Lakshmi Manchu

In another session, Social discourse, which saw the participation of author Poo. Ko. Saravanan, filmmaker Lakshmy Ramakrishnan, actors Lakshmi Manchu and Chetan Kumar, Saravanan said Kamal Haasan was creating waves in Telangana politics. Tollywood actress Manchu said that going after the government would cost actors. “If you voice your opinion, you get bullied.”

Southern states have economic potential: Industrialists

Industrialists who participated in the event discussed how southern states could contribute $5 trillion economy mission.

Dr Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals Group, R Seshasayee, Vice Chairman, Hinduja Group, B Santhanam, Chairman and Managing Director, Saint-Gobain India, K. Ullas Kamath, joint MD, Jyothi Laboratories, were among those who took part in the session.

Secularism is a tool to deceive minorities: Asaduddin

MIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi opined that secularism was being used as an opportunistic tool to deceive minorities. Successive governments have abused the term secularism, he said.

I was banned from Kollywood: Singer Chinmayi

Playback singer and voice artist Chinmayi Sripaada who spoke in a session ‘Social Discourse – Lockdown Lessons: Performance in a Pandemic’ said that she was banned from the Kollywood for the past 2-3 years after she name her molester in the #MeToo movement.  She also felt that the entire concept of a good and bad film is subjective.

Rajani can fill the void created by Jaya, Karuna: Guru Murthy

Political analyst, columnist and a close associate of actor Rajinikanth, S. Gurumurthy said the superstar had the potential to usher a political revolution in Tamil Nadu. Rajnikanth is the only one who can fill the void created by J. Jayalalithaa and M. Karunanidhi. It is unfortunate that Rajanikanth’s health did not allow him to enter politics, he said.

Didi deviating in her statements: Nadda

BJP national president J.P. Nadda pointed out at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s deviation in statements regarding the controversial ‘Nandigram attack’. He wished her speedy recovery and said the truth behind the incident would soon get revealed.