Chennai, Jan 23: With Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to visit Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday stepped up his attack on the BJP led central government, alleging sustained neglect of the state’s interests and repeated failure to honour key commitments.
In a strongly worded post on X, Stalin accused the Centre of remembering Tamil Nadu only during election periods while ignoring pressing issues related to education funding, political representation and federal autonomy. He questioned the delay in releasing ₹3,458 crore under the Samagra Shiksha scheme and sought an explicit assurance that the state’s parliamentary seats would not be reduced during the upcoming delimitation exercise.
The Chief Minister also criticised the role of the Governor, alleging interference aligned with the BJP, and flagged what he described as inadequate financial support for the promotion of the Tamil language. He further raised concerns over delays in welfare initiatives, healthcare and infrastructure projects, disaster relief assistance and the non-release of crucial reports, including the Keezhadi findings.
Stalin reiterated Tamil Nadu’s long-standing demand for exemption from NEET and questioned the slow progress of major projects such as AIIMS Madurai, approval for Hosur airport, and metro rail proposals for Coimbatore and Madurai. He asserted that public dissatisfaction over these unresolved issues would translate into electoral consequences for the BJP-led alliance.
The Chief Minister said the people of Tamil Nadu would respond decisively to what he termed the Centre’s continued indifference when elections are held.
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to address a public gathering in Maduranthakam in Chengalpattu district later today, marking the NDA’s formal outreach ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Senior leaders from alliance partners, including AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, GK Vasan and John Pandian, are expected to attend the event.