Chennai (Tamil Nadu), January 11 (ANI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, while responding to the motion of thanks to the Governor’s address, strongly criticized Governor R.N. Ravi for abstaining from delivering the annual address on the first day of the assembly session.
The Chief Minister also challenged the opposition AIADMK on whether they had the courage to wear black attire in protest against the Governor’s actions, the Union Government’s inadequate allocation of funds to the state, and the imposition of the New Education Policy.
Emphasizing the law and order situation in the state, Stalin asserted that peace prevails across Tamil Nadu and that he has never been accused of being a dictator but rather of being overly democratic.
Governor’s Conduct Questioned
“In 2021, the current Governor was appointed. In 2022, he delivered the full annual address without any changes. However, in the last three years, he has avoided delivering the address under various pretexts, which are well known to everyone in this assembly,” Stalin remarked.
The Chief Minister criticized Governor Ravi for refusing to deliver the address, despite clarifications that playing the Tamil anthem at the start of the session and the national anthem at its conclusion is a long-standing tradition. He accused the Governor of being unable to acknowledge Tamil Nadu’s progress and of disrespecting both the assembly and the sentiments of its people.
“The Tamil Nadu Assembly, which carries a centenary-old legacy, has never witnessed a Governor engaging in such politically motivated acts. Such conduct should not be repeated in the future,” he added.
On Democratic Governance and Protests
Stalin emphasized that his administration welcomes protests within the permissible framework. “The DMK has always stood against boycotts, oppression, and political maneuvering. No one can accuse me of being a dictator—if anything, I am often criticized for being overly democratic,” he stated.
The Chief Minister highlighted that since assuming office, the government has permitted approximately one lakh protests, underscoring the administration’s commitment to democratic values.
Law and Order in Tamil Nadu
Addressing concerns over law and order, Stalin affirmed that police forces operate freely under his administration, taking strict action against criminal activities. “Incidents of rowdy-related murders, caste-related killings, and politically motivated crimes have significantly declined. Any crime that does occur is dealt with immediately, with offenders being swiftly apprehended. Tamil Nadu remains one of the safest states in India,” he asserted.
Criticism of AIADMK and the Union Government
The Chief Minister ridiculed the AIADMK for wearing black attire during the session, stating that he found their act amusing rather than offensive. “While it is their right to wear black, I question why they lacked the courage to do so in protest against the Governor’s disregard for the state assembly or the Union Government’s neglect of Tamil Nadu during natural disasters,” Stalin remarked.
He further criticized the AIADMK for not condemning the Union Government’s National Education Policy (NEP), which he claimed undermines the school education system and university autonomy. “Having supported the BJP while in power, AIADMK lacks the moral authority to wear black in protest,” he asserted.
Stalin also accused the Union Government of discriminatory treatment in allocating disaster relief funds to Tamil Nadu.
Key Announcements
The Chief Minister made several key policy announcements during his speech, including:
The establishment of seven special courts in Madurai, Tirunelveli, Coimbatore, Salem, Trichy, and two in Chennai to address sexual crimes against women.
Formation of a special investigation team led by an Additional District SP to handle such cases.
Amendments to the Tamil Nadu Prison Rules to prevent the early release of individuals convicted of sexual assault.
Allocation of ₹3,750 crore for various road development projects in district corporations and municipalities.
Procurement of 3,000 new buses to enhance public transportation.
Plans to provide one lakh house pattas within the next two years by repairing and acquiring new land for the underprivileged.
Concluding his address, Stalin expressed confidence in the DMK’s continued electoral success, stating that the party would secure victory and retain power in the upcoming elections.
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