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Opposition parties must unite to unseat BJP to safeguard states' rights; forces trying to drive wedge between DMK & CPM, says CM

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @Chennai

CHIEF Minister M K Stalin has issued a clarion call for uniting all parties to dethrone the BJP from power so as to protect federalism in the country.

He was addressing a special seminar on 'Federalism is the strength of India' at the CPM's 24th party congress here on Thursday.

"All the parties should unite together for the welfare of the people, and federalism will flourish only if the BJP government is removed from the centre," Stalin said, adding that the DMK is ready to join hands with leaders like Prakash Karat (interim coordinator of CPM politburo) who are working towards it.

Stalin mocked the BJP saying that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led ruling party at the centre "is allergic to the word federalism".

"Some external forces are trying to drive a wedge between the DMK and the CPM. We are having an alliance for creating a socialist state. However, the BJP-led government at the centre has an allergy to the word 'federalism'," said Stalin.