Did Stalin Just Call Out EPS for Defending the Centre on MGNREGS?
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Synopsis
In a scathing critique, Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister M.K. Stalin confronted AIADMK's Edappadi K. Palaniswami for allegedly supporting the BJP-led government's erosion of MGNREGS. Stalin's accusations underscore the ongoing struggles faced by rural workers and challenge the Centre's credibility in ensuring employment guarantees.
Key Takeaways
- Stalin's strong critique of EPS highlights a political rift.
- Concerns over MGNREGS implementation and wage delays are paramount.
- Stalin questions the BJP's commitment to rural employment.
- EPS's defense of the Centre raises doubts about his influence.
- The financial burden shift poses risks to state governments.
Chennai, Dec 23 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, fiercely criticized AIADMK's general secretary and Leader of the Opposition, Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), on Tuesday. He accused EPS of disseminating misinformation and failing to challenge the BJP-led Union government regarding what he termed the systematic erosion of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).
In a pointed message on social media platform X, Stalin emphasized that even the legally mandated guarantee of 100 days of employment under MGNREGS was not being effectively implemented by the Centre.
He highlighted the ongoing issues faced by workers nationwide, who are experiencing chronic delays in wage payments, which undermines the fundamental objective of the scheme. Addressing the Union government's assertion that a new framework would deliver up to 125 days of work, the Chief Minister cast doubt on its reliability.
“If the BJP government cannot even guarantee 100 days of employment as mandated by law, how can anyone trust that 125 days of work will be provided under a new scheme fraught with conditions?” he questioned.
Stalin claimed that the Centre had effectively relinquished its responsibilities toward rural employment by undermining the scheme's fundamental guarantees.
“The Union government no longer guarantees even a single day of work, which is a clear betrayal of the rural workforce that relies on MGNREGS for their livelihood,” he stated.
Targeting Palaniswami, Stalin recalled the AIADMK leader’s previous assertion that he had influenced the Centre to retain Mahatma Gandhi's name in the scheme.
“What happened to that influence? The Centre seems to hold no regard for you whatsoever,” he remarked, questioning Palaniswami's stature with the BJP leadership.
The Chief Minister also condemned the Centre's decision to offload 40 percent of MGNREGS's financial burden onto State governments, labeling it an authoritarian maneuver that remains unaddressed.
“No one anticipated you would possess the courage to challenge Delhi,” he stated, addressing the Opposition leader.
“Yet, at the very least, you could have chosen not to defend it,” he added.
Stalin asserted that by endorsing the BJP government's policies, which he claimed were “digging a grave” for MGNREGS, Palaniswami was compromising a program vital for poverty alleviation and the dignity of rural citizens.
“In doing so, you are scripting the conclusion of your own political journey,” he stated.
Point of View
This confrontation highlights a significant rift in Tamil Nadu's political landscape. Stalin's criticisms of EPS and the Union government reflect broader concerns about rural employment guarantees and the welfare of vulnerable populations. The Nation aims to shed light on these critical issues while holding all political leaders accountable.
NationPress
23/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MGNREGS?
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) is a government initiative that provides at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment in a financial year to every rural household.
Why did Stalin criticize EPS?
Stalin criticized EPS for allegedly defending the BJP-led government's actions that he believes undermine MGNREGS and fail to protect the interests of rural workers.
What are the main issues with MGNREGS currently?
Current issues include chronic delays in wage payments and inadequate implementation of the guaranteed job days, which Stalin argues compromises the scheme's effectiveness.
What did Stalin say about the BJP government's new framework?
Stalin questioned the credibility of the BJP government's claim that a new framework would provide up to 125 days of work, citing the government's failure to deliver the legally mandated 100 days.
How has the Centre changed its financial responsibility towards MGNREGS?
The Centre's decision to shift 40 percent of MGNREGS's financial burden onto State governments has been criticized as an authoritarian move that undermines the scheme.
