BJP gave zero for TN in budget, people of TN will return the same in election: Stalin

Virudhunagar: Chief minister M K Stalin came down hard on BJP govt at the centre for "neglecting Tamil Nadu in the Union budget" and said people of the state will reciprocate appropriately in the assembly election. Stalin said the three-language policy is "like a sword hanging over us".

Speaking at the DMK youth wing south zone conference held in Virudhunagar, Stalin flayed BJP govt for "not announcing any major project for TN" in the Union budget. Unlike his customary public meetings, Stalin did a ramp walk like TVK president Vijay. Cheered by cadres, Stalin walked the ramp, waving his hands and shaking hands with youth wing functionaries before mounting the stage.


Addressing the gathering, Stalin said, "We are number one in various parameters, be it schemes implemented, awards, or infrastructure. Though we are number one in most parameters, we are zero when it comes to Union budget. With election for TN this year, we expected there will be some election stunt, but all we got was a zero," said Stalin.

"What do we expect for TN other than pending funds for various projects and a new railway scheme, but there was nothing in the budget. So, we should also give them zero in return, like the 2024 Lok Sabha elections when NDA got zero," Stalin said.

Hindi imposition was being done through the three-language policy, he said. "We faced challenges for Tamil language during various periods, and we protested hard against Hindi imposition. But in the name of three-language policy, Hindi imposition is carried out," he said. "It is like a sword hanging over our heads. They think that by destroying our language they can destroy our identity. We should not allow this," Stalin said.

In his address, deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin asked youth wing functionaries to work hard for the election. "Youth wing cadres and functionaries should act as brand ambassadors of DMK. You must go to people and highlight achievements of DMK govt. You will be rewarded for your success," Udhayanidhi said.

He flayed AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami for "surrendering" to BJP. "Palaniswami praised (Union finance minister) Nirmala Sitharaman even before completion of her budget address. By doing so, he proved that he is a hard-core slave of BJP," Udhayanidhi said.