Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin launched a sharp critique against the Union government on Sunday, accusing it of deliberately obstructing archaeological excavations and the publication of findings that establish the deep historical roots of Tamil civilization. He made these remarks during a public function held at the Tirunelveli Government Medical College ground.
Allegations of Historical Sabotage
Stalin asserted that the central administration is actively hindering excavations at multiple significant historical sites, beginning with the pivotal Keeladi site in Tamil Nadu. "They do not want any research that proves the historical antiquity of Tamils to take place, and even if they do, they don't want the research findings to be released to the public," the Chief Minister stated. He contrasted this approach with the Centre's focus on searching for what he termed a "non-existent Saraswati river civilization."
He emphasized the state's determination to continue its historical mission, stating, "We will not lose in this 2,000-year-old fight. We will continue to publish evidence and bring it to the public forum. That is why we are establishing museums." He highlighted the state's initiative in establishing the Porunai museum after excavations at Sivakalai, while pointing out that a Union Budget 2021 announcement for a museum in Adichanallur has seen no progress.
Criticism on MGNREGA and Political Stand
Expanding his criticism to central schemes, Stalin alleged that over the past decade, the Union government has systematically "sabotaged" the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). He cited a reduction in working days and delays in fund releases as methods of undermining the scheme. He further accused the BJP-led government of removing Mahatma Gandhi's name from the program and replacing it with an "incomprehensible Hindi name," linking this to the party's alleged dislike for Gandhi's principles of secularism and unity.
Stalin also criticized the AIADMK's Edappadi K Palaniswami for his silence on the MGNREGA issue. In response, he announced that the DMK and its allies would organize statewide protests against the central government's policies regarding the scheme.
Project Inaugurations and New Announcements
During the event, the Chief Minister inaugurated 33 completed projects worth Rs 235.94 crore and laid the foundation stone for 11 new projects worth Rs 356.59 crore. He also distributed welfare assistance totaling Rs 101.49 crore to 45,477 beneficiaries.
Key new announcements for the Tirunelveli region include:
- Construction of a new women's hostel at Rani Anna Government Women's College in Tirunelveli city at a cost of Rs 16 crore.
- Rs 4.01 crore for improvement works on the Kangeyan Canal and Velloor stream to benefit farmers in Pappakudi village and surrounding areas.
- Renovation of the Valliyur Periyakulam tank and Valliyooran canal at Rs 5 crore, addressing demands from farmers in Nanguneri and Radhapuram taluks.
Concluding his address, Stalin extended an open invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to visit the Keeladi and Porunai museums to witness firsthand the evidence of Tamil civilization's antiquity.
