Chennai, Feb 9: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has launched a scathing attack on the Narendra Modi-led BJP regime, accusing it of encroaching upon the financial autonomy of states and undermining federalism. In a virtual address to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s massive protest in the national capital, Stalin condemned what he perceives as the central government’s disregard for states’ fiscal sovereignty.
Stalin’s criticism centered on Prime Minister Modi’s purported view of states as mere “municipalities,” diminishing their importance and eroding their authority. Drawing parallels to his own state’s struggle for recognition during V P Singh’s era, Stalin lamented the Modi administration’s swift actions in curbing states’ rights upon assuming power.
The Tamil Nadu CM vehemently asserted that depriving states of their fiscal rights is tantamount to cutting off their oxygen supply, highlighting the gravity of the situation. He accused the BJP government of stripping away essential powers related to fiscal management, education, language, and legal matters, thereby impeding states’ ability to serve their populace effectively.
Stalin’s critique extended beyond partisan lines, as he warned Chief Ministers of BJP-ruled states that their jurisdictions could be similarly affected in the future. He emphasized the need for unity among states in resisting the central government’s overreach, citing a recent protest organized by his party MPs on the Parliament campus.
Central to Stalin’s argument was the constitutional principle that grants state legislatures the authority to manage public debt for financing developmental initiatives. He condemned the central government’s imposition of restrictions on state borrowing limits, hindering their ability to address the needs of their citizens.
The Tamil Nadu CM underscored the collective responsibility of states in confronting the BJP regime’s alleged economic oppression, referencing Karnataka Chief Minister Siddharamaiah’s protest against similar grievances. He warned that all states were grappling with financial challenges exacerbated by the post-GST regime, indicating a growing discontent among regional leaders.
Stalin concluded by affirming his government’s commitment to advocating for states’ fiscal rights and holding the BJP regime accountable to the people. He predicted that the ongoing protests would escalate unless the central government addresses the legitimate concerns of states regarding their financial autonomy.