THIRUVANNAMALAI: Chief Minister MK Stalin on Saturday accused the Union BJP government of authoritarianism to scuttle the growth of ideologically divergent states such as Tamil Nadu and charged the AIADMK of remaining their stooges, saying both were unable to hide or counter the achievements of the Dravidian model government in Tamil Nadu.
Addressing a government welfare assistance distribution programme at Kalaignar Ground in Malappampadi here, Stalin said the BJP had undermined federal principles by denying States their rightful funds under the GST regime and using the Governor to obstruct the functioning of the elected government. “Some forces within Tamil Nadu act against the interests of the State by submitting themselves to these authoritarian rulers. Yet, despite all obstacles, we have continued to progress,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the Union government ignored fair criticism and instead resorted to divisive politics and attempts to malign Tamil Nadu to gain political mileage elsewhere. He pointed to issues such as economic decline, environmental degradation and collapsing infrastructure under BJP rule, alleging that these failures were being concealed by targeting states that followed an alternative governance model. “Their strategy has backfired, and people across the country are now recognising Tamil Nadu’s development and economic growth,” he said.
Stalin said even those who had never voted for the DMK were openly appreciating flagship schemes such as Naan Mudhalvan, the breakfast scheme and improvements in the education sector. He added that Tamil Nadu’s stand on protecting State rights, including its opposition to delimitation that could weaken democratic representation, had found support beyond party lines.
Turning to agriculture and rural welfare, the Chief Minister criticised the Union government for diluting and effectively dismantling the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. He said the programme had played a vital role in poverty alleviation and sustaining rural livelihoods, particularly in agrarian districts like Tiruvannamalai.
He also faulted the Leader of the Opposition, Edappadi K Palaniswami, for failing to oppose the Centre’s move. “Despite claiming a farming background, he has chosen to support the BJP instead of standing up for farmers,” Stalin said, describing it as a reflection of the AIADMK’s subservience to the Centre.