In a pointed rebuttal to recent criticisms from the central leadership, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin invoked the Union government's own Economic Survey to underscore the state's developmental achievements. Speaking at a government event in Sivaganga on Saturday, Stalin directly addressed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Governor R N Ravi, who have questioned Tamil Nadu's progress.
Economic Survey Praises Tamil Nadu's Initiatives
Stalin emphasized that the recent Economic Survey, prepared by the Union government, explicitly appreciated Tamil Nadu for its proactive measures. According to the Chief Minister, the report lauds the state for promoting initiatives that encourage new businesses and for leading in employment within the manufacturing sector. Furthermore, it highlighted Tamil Nadu's strategic plans to increase employment opportunities for women, setting a benchmark for other states to follow.
Countering Allegations from PM Modi and Governor Ravi
Stalin expressed frustration over what he termed as baseless allegations made by Prime Minister Modi during his recent visit to Tamil Nadu. The PM had spoken about the need for the state to develop further, which Stalin dismissed as election-driven rhetoric. Similarly, Governor R N Ravi's charge that investments intended for Tamil Nadu have been diverted to other states was met with skepticism.
"I request the PM and governor to read this report. It is your report," Stalin asserted, referring to the Economic Survey. He argued that Tamil Nadu's development is a direct result of the planned actions implemented by the DMK government, contradicting the criticisms from the central figures.
Criticism of MGNREGA Replacement
Stalin also took aim at the Union government's decision to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with a new scheme, notably removing Mahatma Gandhi's name from the initiative. He questioned the feasibility of the new scheme, which promises 125 days of work, given that the previous version struggled to provide even 50 days of employment.
"If the Union government does not withdraw the scheme, we will make you withdraw your decision, with the support of the people," Stalin declared, signaling potential public resistance to the change.
Political Rivalry with AIADMK
Turning his attention to the opposition, Stalin criticized AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami for announcing new poll promises that he claims are merely copies of schemes already implemented by the DMK government. Stalin dismissed these efforts as a waste of time, citing AIADMK's failure to fulfill key promises from their 2011 and 2016 election manifestos.
- Establishment of an aero park in southern Tamil Nadu
- Providing mobile phones to all ration card holders
- Free WiFi in major bus stands
In contrast, Stalin highlighted the DMK's track record, noting that over the past five years, the party has announced and implemented various welfare schemes and projects, leading to several landmark achievements for the people of Tamil Nadu.
Future Projects and Confidence in Dravidian Model 2.0
Listing various projects he inaugurated in Sivaganga district over the past two days, Stalin pointed out that 11 years have passed since the Union government announced the Madurai AIIMS project, yet it remains unrealized. He expressed confidence that the people of Tamil Nadu would grant him the opportunity to fulfill such dream projects under what he termed "Dravidian Model 2.0."
"I am fully confident that the people of Tamil Nadu will give me the opportunity to fulfil them in Dravidian Model 2.0," he added, outlining his vision for continued progress and development in the state.
