Erode

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Saturday accused the Centre of denying the state its rightful funds and powers, while announcing an expanded welfare agenda ahead of the Assembly elections.

Speaking at a campaign rally in Gobichettipalayam, he alleged that the Union government had withheld around ₹3,000 crore meant for the state’s education sector. He said such actions showed discrimination against states not ruled by the BJP.

Udhayanidhi also criticised the proposed delimitation exercise, stating that Chief Minister M.K. Stalin was the first to oppose it. He claimed that the Opposition INDIA bloc played a key role in defeating the related Bill in Parliament.

Highlighting government schemes, he promised to expand welfare measures if the DMK returns to power. He said the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme would be increased from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 per month, benefiting over 1.3 crore women.

He also announced that the breakfast scheme for government school students would be extended up to Class VIII to improve nutrition and attendance. Additionally, he promised free laptops for more than 35 lakh college students under a revived scheme.

Introducing a new proposal, he spoke about the ‘Illatharasi’ scheme, which would provide ₹8,000 coupons to eligible women for purchasing household items.

Udhayanidhi accused the BJP and AIADMK of trying to block welfare schemes through legal challenges but said such efforts would not stop the government’s work.

Tamil Nadu will vote in a single phase on April 23 for all 234 Assembly seats, with counting scheduled on May 4.