M K Stalin challenges DMK critics to compare Tamil Nadu's progress with northern states

COIMBATORE: Chief minister M K Stalin on Wednesday asked critics of the DMK to compare Tamil Nadu with a northern state to understand the progress achieved by TN in the last 50 years.

“We have not only lifted up the south but have reached a stage where south is providing generously to north,’’ he said in Coimbatore. He was speaking after laying the foundation stone for a multi-storey library to be built at a cost of Rs 300 crore in the city.

He said it was the DMK that created the modern Tamil Nadu through such initiatives.

Recalling the remark by late DMK founder C N Annadurai “Vadakku vazhkirathu, therku theikirathu,’ (North is full of life, south is fading), Stalin said the scenario has changed now.

Stalin said TN has become the second largest economy in India, the most urbanised state, first in implementing UN’s sustainable development goals and tops every growth parameter from poverty alleviation and employment generation to infrastructure development and industrial production.

This transformation did not happen easily, he said. Rather, the change was achieved due to a “people’s govt” which had an ideology and goal along with a vision and a gameplan to achieve that goal.

Stating that it was the DMK which created the modern Tamil Nadu, Stalin said for the party being in power was not the objective, rather fulfilment of the vision for a glorious Tamil Nadu is. “Capturing power is the mission to execute our vision,” he said.

He said the Dravidian model govt of the DMK was functioning for all – those who voted and those who did not. Those who voted for the DMK were expecting more from the Dravidian model govt, he said. Hence DMK’s popularity had grown in 2024 Lok Sabha elections, compared to 2021 assembly elections, he said. Stalin attributed this popularity for the rise in criticism targeted against DMK by political opponents.

“Those who criticise the DMK govt should compare the status of TN with a northern state 50 years and the position now. You will understand our contribution,’’ he said.

Stalin praised state electricity minister V Senthil Balaji who is out on bail, for his contribution in implementing govt projects. “Some created hurdles for him. But he has overcome those and has made a comeback to continue his work,” the CM said.