In a meeting with DMK Members of Parliament (MPs) held at the Secretariat in Chennai, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin advised them to adopt a firm tone while speaking in Parliament, especially when advocating for new schemes and financial allocations for Tamil Nadu. He emphasized that MPs should not speak softly, but assertively when discussing matters concerning the state’s development.The meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Stalin, saw discussions on various strategies to improve the state’s standing in the national political landscape. Stalin urged MPs to present their performance reports every two months and to ensure they visit all legislative constituencies regularly. He also stressed that no constituency should be lost, setting a goal for the MPs to ensure that they maintain their stronghold.
Speaking about the political environment, Stalin cautioned against allowing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to achieve its agenda. He urged the MPs to collaborate with the ‘India’ alliance MPs and raise issues related to their constituencies while reinforcing the state’s policies and principles.
Stalin also highlighted the need for the MPs to be vocal about the state’s financial rights, pointing out the lack of major central government schemes for Tamil Nadu. He advised that MPs should push for financial rights in the national arena and speak harshly about the denial of funds to the state.
Key Resolutions and Concerns Raised:
Tamil Nadu faced two major natural disasters in the past year: a cyclone and floods. Despite requesting ₹37,907 crore in disaster relief, the central government allocated only ₹276 crore, which Stalin described as inadequate. He pointed out the government’s negligence in compensating the state for losses and urged MPs to raise their voices against such dismissals.
He also emphasized the economic impact of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) law, which has led to a loss of ₹20,000 crore for Tamil Nadu. This issue, along with others that affect the state’s financial well-being, should be strongly voiced in Parliament.
Stalin mentioned other critical issues such as the proposed changes to the Minorities Rights Amendment Act, “One Nation, One Election,” BJP’s approach to financial allocations to non-BJP state governments, the reduction of funds for the National Employment Guarantee Scheme, and the erosion of social justice measures like reservation policies. These issues, Stalin stated, must be vigorously opposed by the MPs.
The meeting concluded with resolutions being passed, urging MPs to raise these concerns forcefully in Parliament to safeguard Tamil Nadu’s rights and to prevent further discrimination against the state.