By The Sampadak Express
Udhayanidhi Stalin on Saturday declared that the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) will not be cowed by Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids or Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s political pressure, asserting that the party would face any legal scrutiny through due process.
Speaking to reporters in Pudukkottai, Udhayanidhi who also heads the DMK youth wing said the party is rooted in principles of self-respect and state autonomy. “The DMK, nurtured by Kalaignar (late CM M. Karunanidhi), stands by the ideals of Periyar and will never bow to pressure,” he asserted.
His comments came in response to criticism from the opposition AIADMK, which questioned Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s decision to attend the Niti Aayog Governing Council meeting in Delhi amid ED raids on TASMAC, the state-run liquor corporation.
While five states and Union Territories, including Karnataka, Kerala, West Bengal, Bihar, and Puducherry, skipped the 10th Niti Aayog meeting chaired by PM Modi, Tamil Nadu was among the 31 states and UTs that participated. Niti Aayog CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam confirmed the attendance.
Defending the chief minister’s Delhi visit, Udhayanidhi said it was crucial for securing much-needed central funds for Tamil Nadu. “They have tried to intimidate us before, but we’ve never given in. We are not a party that bows to anyone we will face cases legally and with integrity,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Udhayanidhi reviewed developmental projects at the Pudukkottai district collectorate and distributed welfare assistance worth ₹40.54 crore to 1,195 beneficiaries. The aid included free house pattas for 125 tribal individuals.
Tamil Nadu Seeks Larger Share of Central Taxes
At the Niti Aayog meeting, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin reiterated Tamil Nadu’s demand for a greater share in central taxes. He urged the Centre to increase the state’s share from the current 33.16% to a rightful 50%, citing discrepancies against the promised 41%.
Stalin also emphasized the need for a dedicated urban transformation mission tailored to Tamil Nadu’s specific development needs. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he reaffirmed the state’s demand for equitable fiscal treatment and support from the Centre.
