MDMK common secretary Vaiko. File
| Photograph Credit score: M. Moorthy
Sterlite Copper is making an attempt to re-enter Thoothukudi underneath the guise of a ‘Inexperienced Copper’ mannequin, however such proposals needs to be blocked within the preliminary phases itself, mentioned Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) common secretary Vaiko in Madurai on Thursday (February 19, 2026).
Chatting with the media, he mentioned that the Vedanta group had introduced the brand new proposal claiming it could have a decrease carbon footprint. “Such a proposal would create apprehensions once more, and the general public could also be sufferer to hazardous air pollution,” he charged.
The State authorities ought to direct the Tamil Nadu Air pollution Management Board (TNPCB) authorities to not entertain any such utility and reject it forthright, Mr. Vaiko mentioned and appealed to Chief Minister M.Ok. Stalin to take stern motion within the bigger curiosity of the general public.
The MDMK, he mentioned, had struggled towards the company for over 20 years, and this resulted within the closure of the copper smelter unit within the ‘pearl metropolis’. “The occasion would stand by the individuals and struggle tooth and nail towards the business,” he asserted.
‘No want for coalition govt.’
With the Tamil Nadu Meeting election quick approaching, he mentioned the DMK-led entrance would register a landslide victory. “There could be no want for a coalition authorities. The DMK will kind a authorities by itself,” he reiterated.
To a question on Congress MP Manickam Tagore’s repeated insistence on energy sharing, Mr. Vaiko mentioned a coalition system wouldn’t swimsuit the Tamil Nadu soil. The alliance led by the DMK was intact, he mentioned, while welcoming the DMDK into the bloc.
On the frequent arrests of fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy, he mentioned the Union authorities had proven “scant respect for the lives of fishermen.” He added: “Political events from Tamil Nadu had, a number of occasions, taken up the matter with the Union authorities, urging it to strongly condemn it and intrude into the ‘unlawful’ act. Nonetheless, the Union authorities gave no significance to it. A dialogue on the highest degree alone would carry a couple of answer.”
He additional mentioned the State authorities ought to register circumstances towards BJP functionaries, together with its former State president Ok. Annamalai, for his or her deceptive remarks over the demise of a 17-year-old lady in Michealpatti, Thanjavur district. The CBI’s probe had proven that the demise had nothing to do with non secular conversion, whereas the BJP leaders claimed it to be a conversion try, he mentioned.
In view of the election, the BJP leaders from New Delhi might come to Tamil Nadu typically and try and woo the individuals. Nonetheless, the voters listed here are clever and wouldn’t fall prey to their sugar-coated phrases, he mentioned.
Ballot fund
The Madurai MDMK unit secretary Munusami and his crew introduced ₹50 lakh to Mr. Vaiko as their contribution to the occasion’s election fund. State leaders, district secretaries from Madurai, Virudhunagar, Dindigul, and MLA Pudur Boominathan and others participated.
Printed – February 19, 2026 01:27 pm IST
