Criticising the AIADMK, an ally of the BJP, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Sunday urged Muslims to “boycott those who support the BJP’s cheap, autocratic, and authoritarian politics”.Speaking at a function marking the 1,500th birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammed in Chennai, Mr. Stalin said, “The DMK would always stand by you (Muslims) and fight for your rights.”He listed various measures implemented by the DMK government for the welfare of Muslims.Mr. Stalin said the DMK had protested against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.“The AIADMK’s double standards when the Triple Talaq Act [Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019] was enacted is well known. That was why our [former Minister and MP] Anwhar Raajhaa quit the party and joined the DMK,” he said.Even during the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, the people witnessed the “drama” staged by the AIADMK, he said, adding, “It is the DMK and others who led the legal struggle and obtained a stay on key provisions of the Act in the Supreme Court.”Recalling that it was under the DMK government led by M. Karunanidhi in 1969 that a public holiday was declared for Milad-un-Nabi, he said it was revoked by the AIADMK government in 2001, and reintroduced by the DMK government in 2006.Mr. Stalin also reiterated his position on the war in Gaza, urging the Union government to act in support of the people of Palestine.Mr. Stalin referred to a demand by SDPI leader Nellai Mubarak on stage that lessons on Prophet Muhammed must be incorporated in textbooks, and said: “It has already been incorporated.”Mr. Stalin said: “You requested for considering the other demands. They will definitely be considered. We will certainly fulfil the reasonable demands.” Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments P.K. Sekarbabu, Minister for Minorities Welfare S.M. Nasar and others participated.Published - September 21, 2025 11:59 pm IST