PM Modi trying to grab States’ rights: CM Stalin

Chennai DMK president M.K. Stalin criticizes PM Modi's centralization efforts, vows to protect State's rights and address corruption.

DMK president and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Sunday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was trying to “grab State’s rights” as he wished to have a full authority over the country.

He was campaigning at Chinniyampalayam in Erode district for K.E. Prakash, of the DMK; S. Matheswaran of the KMDK (who is contesting on the DMK’s ‘Rising Sun’ symbol); and S. Jothimani of the Congress – who are contesting in Erode, Namakkal and Karur Lok Sabha constituencies respectively.

According to him, when Mr. Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat for 12 years, he spoke about State’s rights. “But, after becoming the Prime Minister, he wants the rights of all States to be curtailed,” he added.

He further said that prices of LPG cylinders and fuel were increased by the Union government. “But, by reducing the price of domestic cylinder now by ₹100, Mr. Modi’s fears have become evident,” he said, and accused the BJP of enacting a drama.

Hitting out at the Prime Minister over electoral bonds, Mr. Stalin said that the “massive corruption” (in electoral bonds) had induced fear in the Prime Minister, which led to the arrest of two Chief Ministers (of Delhi and Jharkhand). “Former Minister V. Senthilbalaji was lodged in prison for many months and denied bail. Oppression will never win,” Mr. Stalin said, adding that after the INDIA bloc comes to power in June, the details of funds received under PM CARES would be released.

Policies of the BJP government had affected the industries, particularly the MSMEs, and they would face closure if the party is voted to power again, Mr. Stalin contended.

Taking a dig at AIADMK’s general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, Mr. Stalin said, “He [Mr. Palaniswami] cannot, or he will not, criticise the BJP, as they will expose the AIADMK’s corruption...”