Cuddalore, Feb 22: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin strongly criticized the Central Government for its policies that he claims hinder state development, particularly regarding financial allocations and the National Education Policy (NEP). Speaking at a government function in Cuddalore, he asserted that it would take only a moment to declare that Tamil Nadu would not pay taxes to the Centre.

CM Stalin accused the Union Government of deliberately curbing state development, expressing concern that it views progressive states with jealousy and obstructs their growth.

He alleged that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has led to the complete takeover of state financial resources, with the Centre withholding rightful tax allocations.

He stated that the Centre refuses to fund joint state-central projects, forcing Tamil Nadu to find independent ways to implement welfare schemes, which in turn leads to further obstacles from the Union Government.

He criticized the imposition of new laws that create bureaucratic and financial hurdles for state governance.

CM Stalin strongly opposed the National Education Policy (NEP), calling it a tool designed to suppress Tamil Nadu’s students and hinder their academic and professional growth.

He claimed that the policy’s hidden agenda is to destroy social justice in Tamil Nadu.

He condemned the three-language policy, arguing that the Centre is blackmailing states by linking funding for education to their acceptance of Hindi-based policies.

He accused the BJP-led government of using education policy as a means to impose Hindi hegemony over a diverse, multilingual India.

The Chief Minister revealed that he had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding the immediate release of ₹2,152 crore in funds allocated for Tamil Nadu’s teachers’ salaries. In response, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had advised him not to politicize education.

Reacting sharply, Stalin questioned whether it was the Centre or the State that was engaging in politics:

“Isn’t it politics when you demand acceptance of the three-language policy before granting funds?”

“Isn’t forcing Hindi through education policy a political move?”

“Isn’t turning a linguistically diverse country into a monolingual nation a political agenda?”

Stalin also dismissed Pradhan’s claim that Tamil Nadu would lose ₹5,000 crore by rejecting the PM SHRI scheme, asserting that tax revenues from Tamil Nadu to the Centre far exceed the benefits received.

In a direct warning to the Central Government, CM Stalin declared: “Cooperative federalism is about giving and taking. It is the foundation of India’s Constitution. Those who fail to understand this are a threat to democracy.”

“NEP is not designed to develop education but to promote Hindi dominance.”

“We know how to protect our mother tongue. Ask those who lost theirs to Hindi, and you will understand the threat of your hidden agenda.”

Concluding his speech, Stalin warned the BJP-led Central Government not to provoke Tamil Nadu:

“Do not throw stones at a beehive. Do not test the unique strength of Tamilians.”
“As long as I and the DMK exist, no anti-Tamil or anti-Tamil Nadu policy will succeed.”

Stalin reaffirmed Tamil Nadu’s determination to break through barriers, emphasizing that state progress and fighting obstacles are two parallel paths the government is committed to pursuing.