Coimbatore, Apr 10:
Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the ruling DMK government in Tamil Nadu, alleging misuse of funds allocated by the Centre for infrastructure development.
Addressing the media, Goyal claimed that despite receiving substantial funds through central tax devolution and grants, the State has failed to deliver adequate infrastructure and basic amenities.
He questioned the utilization of funds and said Chief Minister M. K. Stalin must explain to the people “where all the money has gone,” alleging that the DMK is “entirely focused on corruption.”
The Union Minister also took aim at Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, accusing him of lacking understanding of Tamil culture and respect for Tamil identity. Goyal went further to challenge the Chief Minister to publicly declare that Udhayanidhi would not be elevated to the top post, alleging that such a move was already being planned.
Continuing his criticism, Goyal asserted that the DMK government had failed to fulfill even 70 per cent of its 2021 election promises. He claimed that the State’s financial condition had worsened significantly, alleging that debt had more than doubled in recent years and that the revenue deficit had widened. Promised investments, he said, remained largely unfulfilled.
He also raised concerns over law and order, alleging an increase in corruption and crime under the current regime. Referring to legal cases involving DMK leaders, Goyal stated that the NDA would ensure that those found guilty, including V. Senthil Balaji, are held accountable.