Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin Launches Major Sports Initiative in Trichy
In a significant move to boost grassroots sports development, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin inaugurated the distribution of sports kits to students in Trichy on Friday under the Dr Kalaignar Sports Equipment Distribution Scheme. The event marked a substantial investment in youth athleticism across the region.
Comprehensive Distribution Across Urban Units
At Jamal Mohamed College in Trichy, Udhayanidhi personally distributed 651 sets of sports equipment, with each set containing 30 different items. These kits were allocated to 401 city corporation wards, five municipalities, and 14 town panchayats, ensuring wide-reaching access to sports resources.
"Tamil Nadu has transformed from merely being spectators of sports to becoming active competitors," Udhayanidhi declared during the ceremony. "Our government is committed to identifying talented athletes and providing them with the best coaching to excel at national and international levels."
Virtual Inauguration Extends Reach to Nine Districts
In a parallel virtual ceremony, the Deputy Chief Minister inaugurated the distribution of an additional 5,091 sports equipment sets to 3,213 wards across eight municipal corporations, 40 municipalities, and 113 town panchayats. This expanded initiative covers nine districts: Cuddalore, Karur, Namakkal, Ranipet, Salem, Thanjavur, Tiruvannamalai, Tirupathur, and Vellore.
Following the distribution, Udhayanidhi flagged off vehicles carrying the sports kits to various urban units within Trichy district, symbolizing the physical implementation of this ambitious program.
Sharp Political Criticism in Thanjavur
Earlier in Thanjavur, Udhayanidhi launched a scathing attack on AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami for his praise of the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The Deputy CM branded Palaniswami as a "savage slave" (Morattu Adimai) of the BJP-led central government.
"Even before Nirmala Sitharaman finished her budget speech, Palaniswami hailed it as the best budget," Udhayanidhi remarked. "He is acting as a complete slave of the BJP government, showing no regard for Tamil Nadu's interests."
Allegations Against Central Government
The Deputy Chief Minister alleged that the Union government is deliberately troubling the Tamil Nadu administration due to its inability to tolerate the state's progress. "The Union government is systematically snatching our financial and language rights," he asserted, highlighting what he described as discriminatory treatment.
He specifically criticized Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for announcing that there were "no special schemes for her home state" in the budget, framing this as evidence of central neglect toward Tamil Nadu.
Confident Declaration for Upcoming Elections
Udhayanidhi expressed unwavering confidence in the DMK's electoral prospects, stating: "No matter how many such 'slaves,' whether old or new, emerge, the DMK will definitely win at least 200 seats in the upcoming assembly election." He emphasized that this victory would ensure M.K. Stalin's return as Chief Minister, reinforcing the party's commitment to state autonomy and development.
Substantial Financial Commitment to Sports Development
Highlighting the DMK government's dedication to sports infrastructure, Udhayanidhi revealed that the current administration has allocated Rs 600 crore over five years for sports development. This represents a significant increase compared to the Rs 380 crore over ten years allocated by the previous AIADMK government.
Furthermore, he announced an enhancement in government job opportunities for athletes: "This year, government jobs under the sports quota will increase from a minimum of 100 athletes per year to 150. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will soon take concrete action to implement provisions for these 150 athletes."
Social Engagements and Distinguished Attendees
During his visit to Thanjavur, Udhayanidhi also attended two wedding ceremonies—one for a family member of former Union Minister S.S. Palanimanickam, and another for DMK state general council member Durai Jayakumar, reflecting his engagement with local political and social networks.
The sports kit distribution event in Trichy was attended by several prominent figures, including Municipal Administration Minister K.N. Nehru, School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, Rajya Sabha MP Salma, District Collector V. Saravanan, various MLAs, and senior bureaucrats, underscoring the government's collective support for this initiative.
