Chennai
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin strongly defended his government’s welfare work and hit back at opposition leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) during a public event in Mayiladuthurai on Wednesday. Stalin inaugurated completed projects, laid foundation stones for new ones, and handed out welfare assistance, showing the DMK government’s focus on all-round development.
He announced that Mayiladuthurai alone received projects worth Rs 7,360 crore and welfare aid of Rs 2,000 crore. Important initiatives include Poompuhar tourism development, new Direct Procurement Centres, paddy drying units, jewel loan waivers for nearly 19,000 people, Rs 13 crore loan waivers for women Self-Help Groups, and free electricity connections for 1,238 farmers.
Stalin also announced eight new projects for the district: a railway overbridge at Needur (Rs 85 crore), tourism upgrades at Tharangambadi (Rs 45 crore), a statue for freedom fighter Samy Nagappan, canal renovation, harbour improvements, stormwater drains, and other infrastructure upgrades.
Responding to EPS' jibe about the "Ungaludan Stalin" scheme, Stalin said he treats every citizen as family. He highlighted that 1.14 crore women now get Rs 1,000 monthly through the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme, including women from AIADMK families. Stalin accused EPS of mocking the scheme out of frustration and criticized the AIADMK for stopping earlier welfare measures.
Stalin also claimed EPS' recent meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah was for personal benefit, not the state’s welfare. Reaffirming his support for fishermen, Stalin urged the Prime Minister to negotiate with Sri Lanka and retrieve Katchatheevu to protect Tamil Nadu fishermen's rights.
