‘This is family rule, one that strives for every family in TN’, says Chief Minister MK Stalin in response to PM’s jibe

Stalin pointed out that people who were affected by floods did not get a single rupee from the Union government.

ByPTI

Published Mar 06, 2024 | 3:50 PMUpdatedMar 06, 2024 | 5:12 PM

MK Stalin addressing the gathering. (Screengrab)

Pushing back against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his “family politics” jibe, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Wednesday, 6 March, said the ruling dispensation in the state is indeed “family rule,” but one that strived for the welfare of every family.

In an official statement, Stalin also questioned the prime minister’s recent statement that central funds were reaching the people of the state directly and pointed out that people who were affected by floods did not get a single rupee from the Union government.

“Some call us (DMK) a family rule. Yes, this is a family rule! A family that gives a helping hand to every family of Tamil Nadu,” Stalin said, addressing the Prime Minister’s taunt about dynasty politics.

Over the past few days, Modi has criticised the DMK, along with Congress, and some others, saying the reign of political dynasties from “Jammu and Kashmir to Tamil Nadu” is a dangerous trend.

Also Read: BJP-led Union government ‘indifferent’, says Stalin over flood relief

Questions PM

On Modi’s contention that the Union government has been depositing money directly to beneficiaries of schemes, Stalin claimed this was not the case and wanted to know who had received such funds.

“People of eight districts (including Chennai and Thoothukudi) bore the brunt of two natural disasters (floods). We had sought ₹37,000 crore funds (as relief from the Centre). Did PM allocate at least ₹1 to aid the people of Tamil Nadu?” the chief minister asked.

The Tamil Nadu government, however, spent ₹3,406 crore from the State Disaster Relief Fund and other state funds to help the people, he said reiterated his government’s commitment to the public’s welfare.

Announcing the launch of the Tamil Nadu government’s ‘Neengal Nalamaa‘ (Are you doing well) initiative, he said it was proof that his administration had a humane, compassionate approach to addressing people’s welfare.

He launched a website for this purpose, which facilitates virtual interactions between the chief minister and senior officials with the people, regarding the implementation of public welfare schemes of the government.

People can also register their feedback on the website.

At the launch of the portal, Stalin interacted with some of the beneficiaries of state government schemes.

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