TN CM Challenges Modi Claim On NDA Support
Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed that Tamil Nadu is backing the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ahead of the state assembly elections and said people are ready to move past the ruling DMK government. He made the statement ahead of a major NDA rally in Maduranthakam near Chennai as part of the alliance’s campaign push.
Stalin Rejects Claim, Flags Pending Issues
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin strongly rebutted the Prime Minister’s message, saying the state counts what he described as continuous betrayals by the NDA and the central government. Stalin listed long-pending funds and approvals that he says have been delayed, including education funds under the Samagra Shiksha scheme, project approvals for infrastructure like AIIMS Madurai and metro rail lines, and pending support for rural employment schemes. He also sought assurances on issues such as delimitation of parliamentary constituencies and other central commitments to the state.
Political Context
The exchange highlights rising political tension as the assembly elections approach. The DMK, leading a regional alliance, faces intensified campaigning by the NDA, which is seeking to make electoral inroads in a state where it has traditionally been less influential. Stalin’s response focuses on development concerns and alleged delays by the central government on key allocations and approvals for Tamil Nadu.
