Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has strongly criticized the AIADMK, accusing it of betraying state rights by supporting the central government’s usurpation of state authority. Referring to this as a “blatant betrayal,” the Chief Minister issued a scathing statement highlighting the party’s stance on key legislative issues.According to Chief Minister Stalin, the AIADMK’s actions in Parliament regarding the Tungsten mining issue in Madurai stand as evidence of its betrayal of Tamil Nadu’s interests. “The Parliament documents themselves are proof of AIADMK’s deceit. It is impossible to hide the truth, just as one cannot hide a pumpkin in a plate of rice,” he remarked.
The controversy revolves around the Tungsten mining lease in Tamil Nadu. During parliamentary discussions, AIADMK supported amendments to a law that effectively transferred the authority for auctioning Tungsten mines from the state government to the central government. Stalin alleged that this law, backed by AIADMK, paved the way for the Modi government to auction off the mineral-rich lands in Arithapatti, Madurai.
Despite video evidence from parliamentary sessions, AIADMK leader Thambidurai has reportedly denied supporting the auction of Tungsten mines. “He now claims to have supported only the legislative amendments, not the auction. This is a blatant attempt to deflect responsibility,” Stalin charged.
The Chief Minister elaborated that the DMK opposed the amendments, which enabled the central government to auction rare minerals like Tungsten. In contrast, the AIADMK not only supported the amendments but actively facilitated the transfer of state rights.
“By supporting these amendments, AIADMK leader Thambidurai gave the central government sole authority over auctioning rare minerals, including Tungsten. This betrayal by AIADMK has been exposed with clear evidence. While they should have opposed such measures in Delhi, they chose to act in favor of the central government, only to stage a drama back in Tamil Nadu,” Stalin said.
The Chief Minister questioned the AIADMK’s commitment to safeguarding Tamil Nadu’s rights. “Supporting the central government in seizing state rights is nothing short of a green betrayal,” he asserted. Stalin called out AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami, stating that his denial of responsibility would not last long.
“The saying goes, ‘A liar’s bluff lasts only eight days.’ In Palaniswami’s case, his lies don’t even last eight seconds. It is time for AIADMK to speak the truth and be accountable for its actions,” Stalin concluded.
This controversy has once again brought the issue of state rights versus central authority to the forefront.