Ramanathapuram (Tamil Nadu), Oct 3 (NationPress) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin delivered a fierce critique of the Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday, characterizing it as a "parasite" that capitalizes on tragedies for political advantage and dubbing it a "washing machine" for those evading accountability.

During a speech in Ramanathapuram after inaugurating several development initiatives, the Chief Minister condemned the Union government for its response to the Karur stampede, which tragically resulted in 41 fatalities, including women and children. He accused the government of engaging in political opportunism.

Stalin pointed out that Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who had not visited Tamil Nadu after three significant natural disasters, was "now hurrying to Karur" merely to gain political traction ahead of the elections.

He remarked, "The BJP is like a parasite that survives by sucking the blood of others," asserting that the saffron party was depriving Tamil Nadu of its rights and undermining the state’s interests.

Moreover, he labeled the BJP as a "washing machine" for those looking to evade the consequences of their misdeeds.

The DMK leader further accused the Opposition All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) of a "betrayal of the state's interests" due to its alliance with the BJP.

On the ongoing issue of assaults on fishermen, Stalin condemned the hostile actions of the Sri Lankan Navy, stating that the Union government had shown "neglect and disregard" by failing to take effective measures.

He noted, "We continuously condemn these attacks, but the Union government does not take any action to protect the fishermen," asserting that the DMK government had passed a resolution in the Assembly urging the Centre to intervene with Sri Lanka, which was ignored.

Stalin also criticized the Centre's economic and educational policies, including GST, NEET, and the National Education Policy (NEP), claiming they had "deprived Tamil Nadu of its financial rights and hindered progress."

He accused the Centre of neglecting Tamil Nadu’s educational needs and failing to support vital research initiatives such as Keezhadi.

The Chief Minister reaffirmed his party’s commitment to the Dravidian model of governance, stating, "The Dravidian model of governance will prevail, and we'll work tirelessly to make Tamil Nadu a leading state in the country."

Earlier, Stalin inaugurated development projects totaling Rs 738 crore in Ramanathapuram district. While highlighting progress in the district, he mentioned that 46,270 projects valued at Rs 3,250 crore are currently underway.

"This government has provided various benefits, including the Women's Rights Allowance to 2.36 lakh women, assistance to over 8 lakh farmers, and nutritious breakfast to 83,483 children daily," the Chief Minister said during the event.

The newly launched projects included the inauguration of the Ramanathapuram railway station, the Thangachimadam Government Higher Secondary School building, and a social justice hostel for college students in Paramakudi.

Stalin also emphasized welfare measures for the fishing community, noting that approximately 1.85 lakh fishermen have benefited from various schemes, with his government providing cooperative loans worth Rs 57 crore to 81,518 fishermen, exceeding the initial target of 45,000 beneficiaries.