Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Monday accused the BJP of attempting to exert indirect control over Tamil Nadu through its ally AIADMK, alleging that the regional party had been reduced to an instrument that no longer safeguards the state’s identity.Addressing a public meeting in Colachel, the Congress leader said the party and its INDIA bloc partners were engaged in a larger ideological contest with the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh over the very idea of India. He framed the disagreement as one between a plural, federal structure, and what he described as a push for a centralised system dominated by a single culture and language.He alleged that the BJP’s political approach was aimed at installing a compliant leadership in Tamil Nadu. According to him, the party was seeking a government that would function under the direction from Delhi, a proposition he said would be resisted by the people of the state. Gandhi asserted that Tamil Nadu would vote to preserve its distinct identity and dignity.Expanding on the constitutional framework, Gandhi said, “India is defined as a ‘Union of States’, which guarantees equal respect to all regions, languages and traditions.”He claimed that this principle was being undermined by attempts to concentrate power at the Centre and diminish the autonomy of states.Turning to the AIADMK, Gandhi said, “In the past, the party had leaders who stood firmly for Tamil interests but it has since been ‘compromised’ and weakened. The BJP is using the alliance to make inroads into the state. The AIADMK has become a ‘hollow shell’ that no longer operates independently.”He also criticised a recent legislative move linked to women’s reservation, alleging that it sought to conceal a delimitation exercise that could reduce parliamentary representation for southern states. Gandhi termed the move “against national interest” and said it was opposed by his party in Parliament.Highlighting Tamil Nadu’s governance model, Gandhi pointed to welfare measures such as the breakfast scheme for schoolchildren and financial support for women. He said the DMK-Congress alliance would expand these initiatives, including enhanced monthly assistance, scholarships for students, and measures aimed at employment and social security.Gandhi further accused the BJP-RSS of deepening social divisions and fostering insecurity among minorities. He said the Congress and the DMK remain committed to protecting Tamil language, culture and history.Earlier, he expressed condolences over the recent fire at a fireworks factory. Senior Congress leader KC Venugopal was also present at the event.