Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin.
Credit: PTI Photo
Chennai: As his government enters its fifth year, Chief Minister M K Stalin on Tuesday launched a frontal attack on the AIADMK and BJP by accusing the former of “spoiling” Tamil Nadu in its 10-year rule at the Centre and the latter of “ruining” India with its “communal politics".
He also accused the BJP-led Union government of not cooperating with opposition-ruled states like Tamil Nadu for "non-release of funds" for not implementing the National Education Policy (NEP).
In a meeting with owners, publishers and editors of newspapers and television channels, Stalin and his team of ministers and top bureaucrats presented "data to show Tamil Nadu’s growth" over the past four years. Chief Secretary N Muruganandam specifically pointed to the “unprecedented” 9.69 per cent growth posted by the state in 2024-25.
School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi discussed the state’s resistance to the three-language policy and NEP 2020, while IT Minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan explained "massive" digitisation efforts. Thiaga Rajan said that the digitisation of records has ensured that nobody eligible for government schemes is left out. Deputy Chief Minister and Sports Minister Udhayanidhi said that Rs 150 crore has been disbursed to 4,650 sportspersons as high-cash incentives over the past four years.
Industries Minister T R B Raaja highlighted that the conversion rate of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed under the DMK government stands at a record 72 per cent. He also praised the Naan Mudhalvan skill development scheme, which has "made thousands of youngsters employable" in automotive and other sectors.
Stalin said that his government has fulfilled most of its election manifesto promises, citing schemes like the Chief Minister’s Breakfast program, which provides morning meals to over 17 lakh primary school children in 35,000 government-run and govt-aided institutions.
“You understand our challenges better than anyone else. We won the elections and formed the government when the previous AIADMK government had spoiled the state for 10 years, while the Union government indulged in communal politics, spoiling India. Despite the Union government’s lack of cooperation, we have put the state back on the path of development,” he said.
Stalin said he welcomed constructive criticism and that he had taken remedial measures, while urging the media to highlight “path-breaking” schemes to the public.
“You should wholeheartedly praise such schemes. I’m not saying you shouldn’t criticise. My 60-year political journey has been shaped by criticism. I believe I should take everyone along, but some media focus only on criticism. I ask them to show the same focus on appreciating us when we make a difference in people’s lives,” he added.