DMK accuses Centre of 'intimidating' TN over key proposals

DMK Treasurer M K Stalin today alleged the Centre was "intimidating" the AIADMK regime by using the hospitalisation of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayaalithaa to secure concurrence for schemes such as Food Security Act and Uday which had been opposed by her.

Addressing an election rally at a village near here in Aravakkurichi assembly constituency, going to polls on Nov 19, he also attacked the AIADMK regime using his oft-repeated "non-functional" barb.

Stalin, the Leader of Opposition in Tamil Nadu Assembly, recalled Jayalalithaa's opposition to initiatives like Uday, NEET, Food Security Act and GST and said she had even given a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi against such proposals before she was hospitalised.
 

Apparently referring to implementation of Food Security Act from November 1 in the state, he said the present situation indicated a shift in the AIADMK government's stance (of opposing the schemes).

"What is the reason for such a situation?... By utilising the hospitalisation of Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, the Central government is intimidating the AIADMK government and trying to get things done," he alleged asking the people to realise it.

Hitting out at the AIADMK regime, he claimed it was "in such a state wherein it could not function."

"In the past five years, the government was run through video-conference, for the past five months (since the AIADMK government was sworn in for a subsequent term in May) a regime is on, wherein you cannot see anything," he said in a veiled attack on AIADMK that it is "non-functional."

On key issues like Cauvery, he reiterated his party's criticism that the AIADMK did not even convene an all party meeting or the state assembly to discuss such issues.

He said during DMK regime all-party meets were held on key issues.

Party President M Karunanidhi as the Chief Minister had "fostered cordial relations" with neighbouring states like Karnataka and took steps for getting Cauvery water for Tamil Nadu, Stalin claimed.

Besides Aravakurichi, elections are being held to Thanjavur and Thiruparankundram assembly constituencies with the contest largely between AIADMK and DMK.