DMK Chief M K Stalin Launches Scathing Attack on Puducherry's NDA Government
During a campaign rally in Puducherry on Monday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M K Stalin delivered a blistering critique of the All India NR Congress-BJP coalition government, accusing it of systematically eroding the Union territory's identity and autonomy. Stalin asserted that Puducherry has been effectively reduced to a "municipality" governed by Delhi's "remote control," with Chief Minister N Rangasamy functioning as a mere "puppet" while the lieutenant governor wields actual power.
Accusations of Powerlessness and Democratic Erosion
Stalin highlighted the perceived impotence of the elected government, questioning, "Even to change a chief secretary, this chief minister has no power. Why even contest elections if you have no authority?" He pointed to Rangasamy's own recent expressions of frustration as evidence of this subservience. Furthermore, Stalin emphasized a longstanding grievance: despite the Puducherry legislative assembly passing resolutions 16 times demanding full statehood, the Union government has consistently refused to grant it.
He promised that the DMK-led INDIA alliance would vigorously fight to secure statehood for Puducherry, ensuring its inclusion in the Union Finance Commission to receive its rightful share of tax revenues.
Allegations of Corruption and Governance Failures
The DMK leader leveled serious allegations of corruption and administrative neglect against the incumbent regime. He accused a Puducherry minister of illegally hoarding sandalwood oil at a warehouse in Villianur and referenced a "mega-scam" involving fake drug manufacturing units. Stalin also slammed the government for its failure to curb the rising drug supply and for the tragic toxic gas leak in Reddiarpalayam that claimed three lives.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised a 'Best' Puducherry, but the NDA government has delivered the 'worst,'" Stalin declared. He criticized the administration for opening 400 bars while failing to conduct local body elections for years, accusing it of undermining grassroots democracy.
The Dravidian Model Roadmap for Puducherry's Future
Outlining a comprehensive alternative vision, Stalin presented a "Dravidian Model" roadmap for Puducherry's development, to be implemented if the INDIA bloc is voted to power. Key promises include:
- Reopening, modernizing, and converting the AFT, Swadeshi, and Bharathi textile mills into a integrated textile park.
- Conducting long-overdue local body elections with proper reservations for women, Dalits, and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
- Holding an investors' meet to attract business and create employment opportunities.
- Establishing a fashion technology college and launching the "1000 Stars" training program for graduates.
- Setting up a "Maghizchi Illam" (Happy Home) for elderly citizens.
- Building a world-class oceanarium to boost tourism and upgrading Puducherry and Karaikal municipalities into corporations.
Cultural Defense and Final Appeal
Stalin also accused the NDA of attacking Tamil language and culture by imposing the CBSE curriculum in primary schools, which he claimed aims to eradicate mother-tongue education. "A race that loses its language cannot survive. This alliance is fundamentally against Tamil people and Tamil culture," he warned.
In his concluding appeal, Stalin urged voters to support INDIA bloc candidates, pledging, "I will always voice for Puducherry as much as I do for Tamil Nadu. Let us win together." His speech positioned the upcoming election as a critical battle for Puducherry's autonomy, development, and cultural preservation against what he framed as a neglectful and overbearing central rule.
