Udhayanidhi Stalin Slams Central Government for Eroding Tamil Nadu's Rights; Unveils Welfare Plans
Synopsis
In a powerful rally, Udhayanidhi Stalin accused the BJP government of stifling Tamil Nadu's rights and promised significant welfare expansions, including increased financial support for women and students, ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.
Key Takeaways
Udhayanidhi Stalin criticized the BJP-led government for withholding funds.
He pledged to enhance welfare schemes for women and students.
The 'Illatharasi' scheme will provide financial support to eligible women.
Stalin emphasized the need for state rights and governance in his campaign.
Tamil Nadu elections are set for April 23, with counting on May 4.
Erode, April 18 (NationPress) Udhayanidhi Stalin, the Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, launched a fierce critique against the BJP-led Union government on Saturday, alleging that it has been withholding essential funds and infringing upon the rights of the state. His remarks came during a dynamic campaign rally in Gobichettipalayam, where he emphasized an ambitious welfare agenda ahead of the Assembly elections.
Stalin claimed that the Centre has not released approximately ₹3,000 crore designated for education in Tamil Nadu, stating, “They have taken away all our rights.” He characterized this issue as part of a larger trend of bias against states not governed by the BJP.
In his address, he criticized the Centre’s proposed delimitation process, noting that Chief Minister M.K. Stalin was the first leader in the nation to voice strong objections.
He asserted that the Opposition INDIA bloc achieved a “significant victory” by opposing the Bill in Parliament, leading to its failure due to insufficient majority support in the Lok Sabha.
Transitioning to governance, Udhayanidhi highlighted various flagship welfare schemes initiated by the DMK administration, vowing to enhance them if the party is re-elected.
He promised to increase the support provided under the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme, which currently offers monthly financial assistance to women, from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000. According to him, over 1.3 crore women are already benefiting from this initiative.
Additionally, he declared that the breakfast program for government school students would be extended to cover up to Class VIII, aiming to enhance nutrition and attendance in schools.
Moreover, he pledged that more than 35 lakh college students would receive free laptops through a revamped scheme once the DMK returns to power.
He also introduced a new electoral promise, the 'Illatharasi' scheme, which will provide non-income tax paying women with coupons worth ₹8,000 to buy or replace household appliances of their choice.
Udhayanidhi further accused the BJP and its ally AIADMK of attempting to obstruct welfare initiatives through legal challenges, asserting that such attempts would not deter the DMK from pursuing its pro-people agenda.
Tamil Nadu will vote in a single phase on April 23 for all 234 Assembly constituencies, with the vote counting scheduled for May 4.
Point of View
Particularly in the context of upcoming elections. His commitment to welfare expansion underscores the DMK's strategy to appeal to voters while addressing grievances against the Union government's actions. This dynamic illustrates the ongoing political landscape in Tamil Nadu, where regional rights and welfare policies are at the forefront of electoral discourse.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main allegations made by Udhayanidhi Stalin?
Udhayanidhi Stalin accused the BJP-led Union government of withholding ₹3,000 crore intended for education and infringing upon Tamil Nadu's rights.
What welfare measures did Udhayanidhi Stalin promise to expand?
He pledged to double the financial assistance under the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme for women and extend the breakfast scheme for government school students.
When will the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections take place?
The elections are scheduled for April 23, with the counting of votes on May 4.
What is the 'Illatharasi' scheme proposed by Udhayanidhi Stalin?
The 'Illatharasi' scheme aims to provide non-income tax paying women with ₹8,000 coupons to buy or replace household appliances.
How did Udhayanidhi Stalin characterize the Centre's actions against Tamil Nadu?
He described the Centre's actions as part of a broader discrimination against states not governed by the BJP.
