Stalin has been more combative while taking on the Centre than in punching holes in the EPS government. “Stalin has forcefully opposed the BJP government on Hindi imposition, cultural invasion, belittling of the Tamil language and culture and encroachment of state powers. He has emerged as the protector of the state’s identity which, after the jallikattu protests, now finds traction with the youth,” points out DMK spokesperson Constantine Raveendran. A tactless BJP has also kept up a constant supply of pet fears that the DMK exploited fully. “If Stalin asserts that you will get a bank job…in Tamil Nadu only if you know Hindi, people are ready to believe him. It is a false narrative but DMK has effectively whipped up anti-BJP sentiments,” admits a state BJP leader.