In a significant political development, PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss declared that a major alliance will soon be unveiled in Tamil Nadu. He made this announcement while addressing the media in Madurai on Saturday, signaling a potent challenge to the ruling DMK government ahead of the state assembly elections.
A Coalition Against 'Social Injustice'
Anbumani Ramadoss launched a scathing attack on the current DMK administration, labeling it a government of 'social injustice'. He asserted that widespread discontent is brewing across Tamil Nadu, with various sections of society actively protesting.
He listed assistant professors, sanitation workers, government employees, nurses, doctors, farmers, parents, and students among those demonstrating against the state government. He also highlighted the protests by women against liquor shops as a key issue.
The PMK leader accused the government of failing to deliver on its commitments, stating that only 13% of its promises have been fulfilled. "There is no doubt that DMK will face a crushing defeat in the upcoming assembly election," he confidently predicted.
Mounting Debt and Unrealized Investments
Ramadoss presented a grim picture of the state's finances, branding Tamil Nadu as the most indebted state in India. He revealed alarming figures, stating that the state pays a staggering Rs 62,000 crore in interest alone every year.
He drew an analogy to criticize the government's fiscal management. "One can borrow to build a house, but not just to survive; that is exactly what this government is doing," he remarked. He provided data showing the state's debt has skyrocketed from Rs 4.30 lakh crore to over Rs 9.55 lakh crore under the current regime.
Furthermore, he challenged the government's claims on development and investment. Despite the Chief Minister's announcements of Rs 11.32 lakh crore in investments and the creation of 34 lakh jobs, Ramadoss claimed the reality is starkly different. He cited data indicating that only Rs 1.56 lakh crore in investments were approved, with a mere 8.8% of the promised investments actually materializing. He accused the government of misusing funds with no visible infrastructure development to show for it.
Allegations of Smuggling and Demand for Caste Census
In a serious allegation, the PMK leader pointed fingers at a 'godfather' figure in south Tamil Nadu, who holds a high position, for being behind sand and mineral smuggling. He expressed confidence that a CBI inquiry into the matter is certain.
Shifting to social justice, a core theme of his address, Ramadoss strongly demanded a caste-based census. He argued this is essential to protect the existing 69% reservation and to ensure justice for nearly 365 communities in the state. He criticized Chief Minister M K Stalin for stating he lacks the authority to conduct such a census, questioning the government's commitment to social justice principles.
Concluding his attack, he stated that a government which engages in such 'social injustice' has no right to use the name of social reformer Periyar. With the announcement of a mega alliance imminent, Tamil Nadu's political landscape is poised for a major upheaval.
