A vote for the BJP will be a vote for betrayal of future generations: CM
State government would approach the Supreme Court seeking a direction to the Union government to release flood relief, says Stalin. Addressing a public meeting in Nanguneri, he accuses the Modi government of letting down Tamil Nadu
Lamenting the Union government’s failure to grant funds for Tamil Nadu to deal with the aftermath of two recent natural disasters, DMK president and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Monday said that a vote for the BJP in the Lok Sabha poll would amount to a vote for “arrogance” and “betrayal of future generations”. The State would approach the Supreme Court seeking to direct the Union government to release the funds, he added at an election meeting in Nanguneri near Tirunelveli.
“Since the Narendra Modiled Union government is not bothered about the agony of Tamils and Tamil Nadu and he has chosen to trash our plea for ₹37,000 crore for relief and rehabilitation work following the devastation caused by Cyclone Michaung in Chennai and nearby areas and the floods in southern districts, we are going to approach the Supreme Court,” he said.
Without waiting for assistance from the Centre, the Tamil Nadu government, with its own resources, started relief and rehabilitation work by rushing the entire Cabinet to affected areas, he said.
“However, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who refused to give even a rupee for relief and rehabilitation work, mocked the assistance as ‘alms’. We are helping our people with what we received from them and not from you (the Centre). You haven’t met the people even once (during the election). If you meet Tamils in future, you will just forget the word ‘alms’ as they will teach you an unforgettable lesson,” Mr. Stalin said.
He came down heavily on Union Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje’s recent remarks “against Tamils” in connection with the blast at Bengaluru’s Rameswaram Cafe.
“Right from Mr. Modi, hatred is being sowed meticulously across the country for deepening the divide among Indians and ensuring everlasting hatred for the sake of getting votes,” he claimed.
“So, the BJP should be defeated in the upcoming election and the INDIA bloc should have a resounding victory,” he said.
Listing the benefits Tamil Nadu enjoyed during the UPA’s rule at the Centre, of which the DMK was a part, Mr. Stalin said 69 major schemes, including the Chennai–Maduravoyal Expressway, Sethu Samudhram Ship Channel Project, Chennai Metro Rail, Central University in Tiruvarur, classical language status for Tamil, Hogenakkal combined drinking water scheme etc. were implemented with Central assistance.
“However, you (BJP) are not bothered to start and complete the work on Madurai AIIMS even though 10 years have elapsed since its announcement,” he said.