Annamalai intensifies attack against DMK with "GetoutStalin" barb
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Chennai (PTI): Amid an intense war of words between the ruling DMK and the BJP in Tamil Nadu, the saffron party's state chief K Annamalai on Friday mounted a stinging attack on the former with the "GetoutStalin" comment aimed at Chief Minister M K Stalin.
This came in response to Annamalai accepting deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin's challenge following the DMK leader's "Get out Modi," comments targeting the Prime Minister.
The BJP leader had already announced that he will take to social media over the matter.
"For high handedness of one family, having a tainted cabinet, being an epicentre of corruption, turning a blind eye to lawlessness, turning TN into a haven for drugs & illicit liquor, mounting debt, dilapidated education ministry, precarious environment for women & children, divisive politics based on caste & religion, ceaseless failures in delivering good governance, flawed policies & not fulfilling electoral promises, this DMK led govt in TN will be dethroned by the people soon.
#GetOutStalin," Annamalai said on his 'X,' page.
On Thursday, the BJP leader had said he would not take back the words he uttered on February 19 in Karur. "Udhayanidhi had used the words 'Get out Modi' while addressing a rally in Chennai. I dare say let him utter those words again at our world leader. Then I will put out 'Get out Stalin' on my social media handle at 6 am on Friday," Annamalai said.
The issue started on February 18 when the Deputy Chief Minister, addressing a DMK rally against the National Education Policy (NEP) and three-language policy, said the public would launch 'Get out Modi' campaign if the Centre made any attempts to snatch the state's rights.
"Last time, when you attempted to snatch the rights of the Tamils, people launched a 'Go back Modi' campaign. If you try it again with the TN people, this time it will be 'Get out Modi' agitation to send you back," Udhayanidhi had said.
The two parties have been engaged in a bitter exchange of words over central fund allocation to Tamil Nadu in the backdrop of the NEP and alleged imposition of Hindi on the southern state.
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India, Vietnam elevate ties to enhanced comprehensive strategic partnership; set USD 25 bn
New Delhi (PTI): India and Vietnam on Wednesday elevated their ties to an enhanced comprehensive strategic partnership and set a USD 25 billion annual trade target by 2030 as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vietnamese President To Lam held talks focusing on expanding bilateral ties in areas of trade, defence, and critical minerals in the face of increasing geopolitical upheavals.
Following the Modi-Lam meeting, the two sides signed as many as 13 agreements which will provide for deeper two ways engagements in a range of areas including digital payments, rare earth minerals, pharmaceuticals, education, banking and culture.
Modi and Lam also deliberated on the situation in the Indo-Pacific amid China's increasing assertiveness in the region, and agreed to continue to contribute to the rule-of-law, peace, stability, and prosperity.
It is understood that China's growing military muscle-flexing in the South China Sea also figured in the delegation-level talks between the two sides.
Elected as president earlier this month, Lam began his first state visit to India on Tuesday, leading a high-level delegation for a three-day trip.
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"A decade ago, Vietnam became India's first comprehensive strategic partner in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) . Since then, our relations have made rapid and comprehensive progress," Modi said in his media statement.
"Building on this strong foundation, today we are elevating our relations to the level of Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. We will now advance our partnership to even higher goals," he said.
"Our cooperation will reach new levels in every area ' culture, connectivity, and capacity building, as well as security, sustainability, and supply chain resilience," Modi added.
He noted that the bilateral trade between India and Vietnam has doubled in the last decade to reach USD 16 billion and that the target now is to increase it to USD 25 billion by 2030.
Modi also cited a plethora of agreements signed between the two countries to emphasis that the economic engagement is expected to witness a significant upswing going forward.
"The MoU between our drug authorities will now increase access to Indian medicines in Vietnam. Exports of Indian agricultural, fisheries, and animal products to Vietnam are also set to become easier. Very soon, Vietnam will taste India's grapes and pomegranates," he said.
The two sides also agreed to update the India-ASEAN trade agreement by the end of this year.
"This will provide a new impetus to trade and investment between India and all ASEAN countries. New initiatives in critical minerals, rare earths, and energy cooperation will ensure the economic security and supply chain resilience of both countries," Modi said.
"To boost financial connectivity, we have today decided to enhance cooperation between our central banks. India's UPI and Vietnam's fast payment systems will soon be linked. Furthermore, we are strengthening state-to-state and city-to-city cooperation between the two countries," he noted.
Modi said India is grateful to Vietnam for its strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terrorist attack and standing with India in its fight against terrorism.
"In this era of global turmoil and economic challenges, thanks to their talent, good governance, and economic reforms, India and Vietnam are emerging as the world's fastest-growing economies," he said.
"Now, through our enhanced strategic partnership, we will support each other's rapid growth. As the Buddha's teachings say, 'If you light a lamp for someone else, it also illuminates your own path'," Modi said.
He also described Vietnam a a key pillar of India's Act East Policy and Vision Ocean.
"In the Indo-Pacific region as well, we share a common outlook. Through our strengthening defence and security cooperation, we will continue to contribute to the rule-of-law, peace, stability, and prosperity," he said.
The prime minister said India will broaden its relations with ASEAN with Vietnam's cooperation.
In his remarks, Lam said both sides agreed to deepen political trust and elevate security cooperation.
Last year, the two sides inked a pact to set up a framework for submarine search, rescue and support mechanism. They also signed a letter of intent (LoI) to strengthen bilateral defence industry collaboration.
