Stalin alone can provide strong govt to defend states’ rights: CPM’s Vijoo Krishnan

Coimbatore: CPM polit bureau member Vijoo Krishnan on Thursday said that only DMK president M K Stalin can provide a "strong and courageous govt" in Tamil Nadu to resist the alleged erosion of states' rights through delimitation.Addressing an election meeting at Vadavalli in support of DMK candidate Thurai Senthilselvan, contesting from Coimbatore North constituency under the Secular Progressive Alliance, Krishnan criticised the BJP and the Union government for what he termed as discriminatory policies towards non-BJP ruled states. He said chief ministers from Rajasthan and Delhi campaigning for BJP candidate Vanathi Srinivasan raises a key question before voters — whether they want the "model" of those states or the continuation of Tamil Nadu's development path. Citing examples, Krishnan alleged that farmer suicides continue unabated in Maharashtra and claimed that around 26,000 children below five years died due to malnutrition in the state last year. In contrast, he highlighted Tamil Nadu's breakfast scheme for schoolchildren as a progressive welfare measure. He further claimed that over 1,000 govt schools had been shut in states like Rajasthan, Gujarat and Bihar, while Tamil Nadu and Kerala have strengthened public education systems. Accusing the Centre of bias, Krishnan said it failed to provide adequate assistance to Kerala during natural disasters and even blocked foreign aid, while extending prompt support to Uttarakhand. He reiterated that only Stalin could unite states and lead the fight against delimitation and protect federal rights.