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Political parties in Tamil Nadu have reacted to Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s victory in the Sri Lankan presidential elections, with many commenting on their fears for the future of the Eelam Tamil people.
DMK president M.K. Stalin appealed to India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure that Tamils on the island were protected. Stalin said that Rajapaksa is “totally against Tamils and a solution had not been found for the consequences of his actions”.
“His election with over 50 % of votes has come as a shock to Tamils across the world,” he said in a statement on Monday. “He should come out of his enmity and authoritarian attitude and should treat Tamils as citizens with constitutional rights. He should be humane in his approach and only such an attitude will become meaningful in his political life.”
Meanwhile MDMK general secretary Vaiko said Rajapaksa’s election victory was a “sad day” for Tamils.
“It was during Mahinda Rajapaksa’s time that lakhs of Tamils were killed, women were sexually assaulted and both kids and elders were brutally murdered,” Vaiko told reporters on Sunday. “Thousands of others were missing. It was Gotabaya Rajapaksa who single handedly masterminded these crimes. The blood of Tamils is yet to dry in Gotabaya’s hands.”
He went on to add,
“In the latest elections, the Tamils have majorly voted for Sajith Premadasa since they feared more trouble to come their way if Gotabaya wins. But, it is saddening to note that the inflammatory speeches of Gotabaya had helped him secure victory by getting the votes of the majority.”
“Tamils have seen enough troubled phases in the past. But justice will one day triumph.”
PMK founder S Ramadoss said that Rajapaksa’s victory was feared by Tamils all over the world. “Gotabhaya entered the poll race as symbol of Sinhala chauvinism and his victory would only strengthen the stature of the Army in Sri Lanka,” he said. “The demands for investigation into war crimes will fall into deaf ears.”
“Consequently, it makes it clear that only a Tamil Eelam will offer a permanent solution to the problems faced by the Sri Lankan Tamils.”
Meanwhile, AIADMK leader and Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar said the Indian government would ensure the safety and security of millions of Sri Lankan Tamils.
