In a series of public meetings across southern Tamil Nadu, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the AIADMK, alleging that the party has surrendered to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) due to corruption. He described the AIADMK as a 'hollow shell' and an instrument for the BJP's expansion in the region. Gandhi stressed that Tamil Nadu should be governed by its own people, advocating for decentralized governance that allows local representation. He expressed concern over the BJP's centralized ideology, which he claims undermines Tamil culture, language, and history. Gandhi positioned himself as a 'soldier in Delhi' and called for unity among local political parties, including the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and Congress, to defend against the influence of the BJP and its ideological affiliate, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He asserted that the Tamil people will resist any attempts to diminish their identity.