CHENNAI: In a sharp political critique, PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss on Thursday launched a scathing attack against Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin, accusing him of misleading the state assembly with false claims about the fulfillment of election promises. The controversy centers on Stalin's assertion that 99% of the DMK's 2021 election pledges to government employees and teachers had been successfully implemented.
Assembly Remarks Spark Controversy
Anbumani Ramadoss issued a strongly worded statement condemning the chief minister's remarks made during the assembly session. In his address, Stalin had highlighted that leaders from various trade unions had presented him with sweets as a gesture of gratitude for the government's achievements. However, Anbumani dismissed this as a staged event orchestrated by DMK allies, mocking the so-called 'sweets' episode as a political stunt rather than a genuine expression of appreciation.
Sacred Space for Truth, Not Lies
Emphasizing the sanctity of the legislative body, Anbumani declared, "Assembly is a sacred space for truth, not lies." He argued that such misleading statements undermine the integrity of democratic institutions and erode public trust in governance. His comments come amid heightened political tensions in Tamil Nadu, with parties gearing up for upcoming elections and alliances shifting, as seen in recent developments like AMMK rejoining the NDA.
Unkept Promises Detailed
Contradicting Stalin's claims, Anbumani provided a detailed breakdown of the DMK's unfulfilled commitments. He pointed out that out of ten key promises made to government employees and teachers, only one has been partially kept: increasing family welfare aid from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh for families of deceased officials and teachers. This, he asserted, represents a mere 10% fulfillment rate, far from the 99% touted by the chief minister.
List of Pending Commitments
Anbumani listed several critical promises that remain unaddressed, including:
- Restoring the old pension scheme for employees, which has been a long-standing demand for financial security.
- Extending equal pay for intermediate teachers to ensure fair compensation and reduce disparities.
- Regularising the services of midday meal and anganwadi workers, who often work in precarious conditions without formal employment benefits.
- Hiking old age pension based on age to better support elderly citizens in need.
He stressed that these issues are vital for the welfare of thousands of workers and retirees across Tamil Nadu, and their neglect highlights a gap between political rhetoric and actionable governance.
Political Implications and Public Trust
The accusation from Anbumani Ramadoss adds to the ongoing political discourse in Tamil Nadu, where accountability and promise-keeping are key themes ahead of state polls. By challenging the DMK's track record, the PMK aims to position itself as a vigilant opposition force, advocating for transparency and honest governance. This episode underscores the broader struggle for credibility among political parties, as voters increasingly scrutinize election manifestos versus actual performance.
As the debate intensifies, stakeholders including government employees, teachers, and the general public are closely watching how the DMK responds to these allegations. The outcome could influence voter sentiment and shape alliances in the competitive political landscape of Tamil Nadu.
