Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Wednesday issued guidelines for alliance with the Congress and other parties as the state gears up for the polls to be held later this year.
Speaking at the India Today Conclave, Stalin categorically rejected the possibility of any kind of shared governance model with DMK allies like the Congress. Recently, some leaders from within the Congress had raised the demand for ministerial posts in the DMK-led government. Stalin insisted that a power-sharing arrangement would not be suitable for Tamil Nadu.
“The demand for share in governance does not apply to Tamil Nadu. They know it better than us. This slogan is nothing but a well-planned conspiracy by those who cannot see us united,” he said. However, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister indicated that the Congress would remain an ally if elections are held in the state.
“Congress will definitely remain in the DMK alliance. Our alliance is cordial. The media is deliberately creating some unnecessary perceptions,” he said.
The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister stressed his relationship with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as an important element of the continued alliance between the two parties. Gandhi has been at the forefront of resolving differences in the alliance and has held talks with DMK leader Kanimozhi to ensure that the Congress remains in the DMK camp.
Stalin said, “Rahul Gandhi is like a brother to me; he is a member of my family. He himself has said many times that our relationship is beyond politics.”
Earlier, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President Selva Perunthagai had also indicated that the alliance between DMK and Congress was almost finalized and formal seat sharing talks would be initiated on February 22.
“The DMK-led alliance is a very strong alliance. The public has already proved that this government will remain in power. We have no doubt about achieving consecutive victories. Everything is going well. The alliance talks to be held on 22nd will be concluded successfully,” he said.
Meanwhile, speaking at the conference, Stalin said Tamil Nadu has achieved double-digit growth and the per capita income in Tamil Nadu is higher than the national growth rate of 1.74 per cent.
Stalin also said that Tamil Nadu is getting rewards from the Central government as the development schemes are being implemented carefully and effectively. He informed that the Central Government has announced “Thozi Hostel Scheme” of Tamil Nadu in its current budget.
However, he alleged that the DMK government is working for public welfare, yet the Central government is creating many obstacles. He said Tamil Nadu has been neglected in matters of financial decentralisation, special schemes and railway projects. “Tamil Nadu has got nothing in this year’s budget,” he stressed.
Describing the NDA as an alliance that brought together people accused of corruption, he criticized what he described as a “dual-engine” government. “It is not a double engine, but a faulty engine,” he said.
He further said that the BJP thrives on sycophancy and slander, and assured that Tamil Nadu will get the justice and wealth it deserves. Stalin said the BJP’s “fascism” would not succeed in Tamil Nadu.
