The speech made by TN CM Stalin at a function attended by PM Modi and Governor, making it a political platform, was unwelcome, and he has made a “fool” of himself.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the nation, both new and completed (initiated during the AIADMK regime with Central support), totalling 11 projects worth over 31,500 crore. PM was given a rousing welcome in Airport and en route to the venue. Modi had come as the PM here not for a BJP programme and the CM was expected to show grace but he ended up disgracing himself. Stalin, reading from a text, broached Kaccha Theevu, NEP, GST arrears, NEET abolition bill, taking lesson on Dravidian model of Governance, calling repeatedly mentioning Central government as union government (a union of many states like European Union) and glorifying Muthamizh Aringnar Kalaignar, Sri Lankan issue forgetting it was not the place to mention them. He tried to be smart by blaming Modi government with his half-baked, half-hidden facts.
“Its High time for the legal Head (AG) of our nation and BJP party to clarify the usage of the Term “Ondrium” by our TN Government and its controlled media to refer Central Government and “Union of States” while referring our India as one Nation by opposition parties. If it is illegal they should take appropriate action and if they are legal they should advice their party leaders and not to make fuss on this issue” says advocate B Jagannath.
“Our CM M. K. Stalin wants to talk about Katchatheevu islet but he forgets that the island was gifted to Sri Lanka by none other than Indira Gandhi and Karunanidhi in 1974 without getting nod from Parliament. Since 1974, DMK and Congress have formed alliances, looted the people together. Why this sudden awakening? PM Modi has been making efforts to get back or free access to our fishermen. DMK wants to score victory once it happened” says TN BJP chief Annamalai
“On the issue of GST, CM Stalin must be schooled that the GST council decisions were always taken by consensus. On compensation too, the TN Government took the option which provides payment of balance compensation after July 2022. They are making issues out of non-issues. CM keeps speaking of federalism but insults the GST Council, a shining example of federalism. The dues are paid as per a formula jointly worked out. He thinks that only his whims should matter. Typical dynastic entitlement that doesn’t understand consensus. He does not say about the state government due to Centre nearly 25,000 crore and PM was magnanimous in not asking them to pay or adjust it “he pointed out
“Now, GST revenues have increased significantly over the last one year and all states including Tamil Nadu are benefiting. But, does M. K. Stalin or DMK ever care for facts? They are only interested in politics” Annamalai said.
“It is always wonderful to be back in Tamil Nadu! This land is special. The people, culture, and language of this state are outstanding. I recently hosted the Indian Deaflympics contingent at my residence.” He said “The Government of India is fully committed to further popularising Tamil language and culture. From Chennai to Canada, from Madurai to Malaysia, from Namakkal to Newyork, from Salem to South Africa, the occasions of Pongal, Tamil New year are marked with great fervor. In January this year, the new campus of the Central Institute of Classical Tamil was inaugurated in Chennai. The new campus is fully funded by the Union Government. A ‘Subramania Bharati Chair’ on Tamil Studies at Banaras Hindu University was recently announced. Since BHU is located in my constituency, the joy was extra special.”
Invoking famous songs of poet Bharathi “Senthamil Naadunum pothinile, inba then vanthu payuthe kathinile ( the very mention of classic Tamil Nadu, sweet honey starts flowing in ears”.
PM said that technical and medical courses can be done in local languages due to National Education Policy. Youngsters from Tamil Nadu will benefit from this”.
Another snubbing for CM Stalin. Modi said “Sri Lanka is passing through difficult times. I am sure you are concerned with the developments there. As a close friend and neighbor, India is providing all possible support to Sri Lanka. I was the first Indian PM to visit Jaffna (remember Manmohan never visited).
“I don’t think Stalin needs an answer because I am sure he also does not believe what he said on the issue. He was only doing petty politics. PM without answering directly to his points, replied in his own style” Annamalai said. By according Rajiv Gandhi’s killer Perarivalan, Stalin gave him a royal welcome, hug, dining with him; he has incurred the wrath of Congress. He has been on a confrontationist attitude with the Centre and the Governor on many issues. The DMK support base has been shrinking at the ground level as it belied their expectations.
Central agency sources said they had forewarned local BJP leaders, union Home ministry and PMO that CM might raise controversial subjects.
To show CM Stalin his place, winding up his speech, Modi repeatedly said Vande Mataram, which party cadres joined in that reverberated the hall.
