Erode, April 2 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President M.K. Stalin on Thursday intensified his criticism of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), accusing it of failing to safeguard the interests of key sectors such as micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and traditional weavers.
Addressing an election rally in Erode, Stalin alleged that the Centre’s policies had worsened economic conditions, particularly in the backdrop of the ongoing crisis in West Asia.
He claimed that MSMEs, which form the backbone of Tamil Nadu’s industrial economy, were being “strangled” due to external shocks and inadequate support from the Union government.
According to him, the ripple effects of geopolitical tensions in West Asia had disrupted supply chains and export markets, but the Centre had failed to intervene effectively to cushion the impact on small businesses.
Turning to social and educational issues, Stalin reiterated his opposition to the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), describing both as measures that undermine the rights and aspirations of the people of Tamil Nadu.
He accused the NDA government of ignoring repeated demands from the state to scrap NEET, arguing that it places rural and underprivileged students at a disadvantage.
The Chief Minister also targeted the AIADMK-BJP alliance, alleging that it had betrayed public trust by remaining silent on issues affecting the state.
He further criticised what he described as the Centre’s failure to protect Tamil Nadu’s weavers from the impact of international trade pressures, including tariffs imposed by countries like the US.
In a sharp political attack, Stalin mocked AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami, accusing him of favouritism and awarding contracts to close relatives.
Without naming individuals, he also took aim at other leaders in the opposition camp, alleging corruption and misuse of power.
Ridiculing the NDA’s “double engine” slogan, Stalin termed it a “dabba engine”, suggesting that the alliance lacked both efficiency and direction.
He expressed confidence that voters would reject the NDA in the upcoming Assembly elections and reaffirmed that the DMK-led alliance would return to power with a strong mandate.
The rally is part of Stalin’s statewide campaign tour aimed at consolidating support ahead of the elections, with the DMK focusing on governance, social justice, and economic resilience as key themes.
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