Tamil Nadu Minister Accuses Centre of 'Stepchild Attitude' Over Metro Projects and Funding
Madurai: Information Technology Minister P T R Palanivel Thiaga Rajan launched a sharp critique against the Union government on Wednesday, accusing it of adopting a 'stepchild attitude' towards Tamil Nadu. The minister specifically highlighted delays and denials in funding for key infrastructure projects, including the Madurai Metro.
Disagreement Over Madurai Metro Project
Addressing reporters in Madurai, Minister Rajan clarified his stance on Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's recent comments regarding the Madurai Metro. 'Devendra Fadnavis is a friend of mine, but I disagree with his views on this project,' Rajan stated. He was responding to Fadnavis's promise to approach Prime Minister Narendra Modi to bring the metro to Madurai if a certain candidate was elected MLA.
Rajan questioned the rationale behind rejecting the Madurai and Coimbatore Metro projects based on population criteria. 'Metro projects have been implemented in northern states with lower populations. Will the population of Madurai suddenly increase to 2.5 million at that time?' he asked rhetorically. He confirmed that the revised Madurai Metro project report, after rectifying errors, has been resubmitted to the Union Government for approval.
Allegations of Systemic Funding Denial
The minister expanded his criticism beyond metro projects, alleging a pattern of fund withholding by the Centre. 'Funds are being denied not only for the metro project but for all schemes in Tamil Nadu,' he claimed. He cited the example of education funds, which he said are contingent on implementing a three-language formula in the state's education system.
Rajan pointed to the Chennai Metro Phase II project as evidence of delayed approvals. 'The project started in 2021-22 with full funding from the Tamil Nadu government, but the Union Cabinet only gave its approval in 2024,' he noted, emphasizing the prolonged wait for central endorsement.
Political Bias and Financial Inequity
In a strongly worded allegation, Rajan accused the Union government of linking project approvals to political support. 'The Union government is telling people it will provide projects only if they vote for the BJP, thereby forcing the public to vote for the party,' he asserted. He stated that this approach continues to betray the people of Tamil Nadu by refusing to grant projects that rightfully belong to the state.
The minister also highlighted a significant financial disparity. 'If Tamil Nadu gives 1 rupee to the Union government, it returns only 25 paise, and even that comes with numerous regulations for spending,' he explained, underscoring what he perceives as an unfair fiscal relationship.
Further Allegations of Cultural Bias
Adding another layer to his critique, Rajan alleged that project approvals are influenced by naming conventions. 'Projects are approved only if they are named in Sanskrit,' he claimed, suggesting a cultural bias in the central government's decision-making process.
Minister Rajan's comments reflect ongoing tensions between the state and central governments over development funds and project clearances, with the Madurai Metro serving as a focal point in this broader dispute over equitable treatment and political autonomy.
