By The Sampadak Express
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a veiled swipe at Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Sunday, claiming the central government has allocated more funds to the state than the previous UPA government, yet some people continue to complain about it. Modi also questioned the DMK leadership for signing their letters in English rather than Tamil, urging them to demonstrate their Tamil pride.
Speaking at a public meeting in Tamil Nadu, Modi highlighted the substantial increase in funds allocated to the state since 2014, under his government. “Since 2014, under the Modi government, Tamil Nadu has received three times more funds for development compared to the INDI alliance government. The DMK was part of that alliance. Tamil Nadu’s railway budget has also increased sevenfold,” Modi stated. He added, “Yet, some people continue to cry over it for no reason.”
This remark appeared to target MK Stalin’s letters to the Prime Minister, in which he sought central funding for various projects, including the Chennai Metro Rail and education schemes. In 2024, Stalin had sent a 15-page memorandum urging the release of funds for these initiatives and the resolution of issues concerning Tamil fishermen detained by the Sri Lankan navy.
Modi further criticized Stalin, questioning the DMK’s commitment to Tamil pride. “These ministers from Tamil Nadu talk about their language pride but always write letters in English. Why don’t they use Tamil in their letters? Where is their Tamil pride?” he asked.
The Prime Minister also discussed various infrastructure and development projects supported by the central government in Tamil Nadu. He pointed out that prior to 2014, the state’s railway budget was only ₹900 crore annually, whereas it has now surged to over ₹6,000 crore. Additionally, Modi highlighted the central government’s contributions to housing and water supply in the state, stating that 12 lakh ‘pakka’ houses had been built in Tamil Nadu under central schemes and 1.1 crore Tamil Nadu households now have access to piped water for the first time.
The remarks come amid an ongoing war of words between the DMK-led state government and the Union government over the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Stalin has accused the Centre of imposing Hindi through the policy, asserting it threatens Tamil linguistic pride and diversity. He also claimed that the Centre withheld promised education funds due to Tamil Nadu’s refusal to implement the NEP.
This public exchange highlights the ongoing tension between the Centre and Tamil Nadu over issues related to language, funding, and regional development.
