Chennai , 25 Feb (H.S.):Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Wednesday stepped up his criticism of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), declaring that frequent visits by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the State would only widen the alliance’s margin of defeat in the forthcoming Assembly election.
Speaking at a government welfare distribution programme in Nagercoil, Mr. Stalin said the Prime Minister’s increasing visits signalled that the election season had begun. He suggested that the BJP was attempting to gain political ground in Tamil Nadu through high-profile appearances, but asserted that such efforts would not succeed.
“As elections approach, the Prime Minister’s visits will become more frequent. But every visit will only strengthen the resolve of the people to defeat the NDA,” Mr. Stalin said. He added that even parties aligned with the BJP were uneasy about the political consequences of these visits.
Accusing the Union government of sidelining Tamil Nadu, the Chief Minister pointed to the recent approval of a Metro Rail project for Gujarat while, he alleged, no comparable major project had been sanctioned for Tamil Nadu. He also criticised the Union Budget, claiming it failed to allocate significant new initiatives for the State despite the impending elections.
“The people of Tamil Nadu will not forget this step-motherly treatment,” he said, arguing that the Centre had consistently overlooked the State’s demands.
Framing the election as a decisive battle over federal rights, Mr. Stalin said the contest was between Tamil Nadu’s self-respect and what he described as attempts at centralised control. “Tamil Nadu must be governed from Fort St. George, not from Delhi,” he asserted, adding that the verdict would reflect the State’s commitment to autonomy.
He also raised concerns about the recurring arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy. Questioning the BJP’s record over the past 12 years, he asked what concrete measures had been taken to secure a lasting solution. “The External Affairs Ministry and the Navy are under the Union government. Accountability lies there,” he said.
Taking aim at the AIADMK-BJP partnership, Mr. Stalin characterised it as politically fragile. In contrast, he highlighted the performance of his government under the “Dravidian Model,” citing an 11.19% growth rate and various welfare initiatives. Expressing confidence ahead of the polls, he said the DMK would return to power with “Dravidian Model 2.0” and surpass its current achievements. Several Ministers, legislators and local functionaries attended the event.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman