KALLAKURICHI: Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday said Tamil Nadu had risen from ashes after what he described as a decade of AIADMK misrule, challenging that the previous regime could not account for even “five per cent” of the achievements delivered by the present Dravidian model government in four years.
Speaking at a government function in Kallakurichi, Stalin said the State had moved decisively forward in economic growth, social justice and public infrastructure despite what he termed obstacles created by the Union government.
He challenged critics to name comparable achievements from the AIADMK’s 10-year tenure, calling his government’s record a “proven track record”. The CM also said Tamil Nadu would not allow right-wing or communal forces to gain a foothold in the State. Attempts to incite religious hatred would fail, he said, adding that people would reject divisive politics through the ballot.
Referring to everyday examples of inter-faith harmony, in a veiled reference to Tiruparankundram people reportedly rejecting right-wing attempts to fan communal unrest over the deepathoon issue, Stalin said Tamil Nadu’s social fabric was rooted in coexistence and mutual respect.
Speaking after inaugurating the new Kallakurichi district collectorate at Veerasozhapuram, built at Rs 139.41 crore, he praised the scale of the event. CM Stalin described it as akin to DMK’s famed Pavazha Vizha and lauded district-in-charge minister EV Velu for its organisation. He said Velu showed the same commitment to Kallakurichi’s development as he did to his home district of Tiruvannamalai, without discrimination.
“He does not treat one eye with butter and the other with lime,” Stalin said, praising the minister’s balanced approach to development.
CM Stalin urged eligible voters to ensure their names were included in the electoral rolls, saying the government and the DMK would stand by people to safeguard democratic rights.
