TIRUVALLUR: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin made a powerful statement on April 18, 2025, asserting that the state would never bow to the authority of New Delhi. Addressing a rally in Tiruvallur, Stalin challenged Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who recently claimed that the BJP-AIADMK alliance would form the government in Tamil Nadu by 2026. "Tamil Nadu will never yield to Delhi's administration. That may work elsewhere through party poaching and raids, but not here. This formula won’t work in Tamil Nadu," he declared.
Stalin's remarks come amid rising tensions between the Tamil Nadu government and the central administration, particularly concerning key issues such as the NEET examination and the imposition of Hindi. "Can Amit Shah guarantee an exemption from NEET? Can he promise that Hindi will not be imposed? Has the Centre provided special funds to Tamil Nadu? Can he assure that delimitation won’t reduce our parliamentary seats?" Stalin asked, pressing for answers from the central government.
His comments were a direct response to Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who had labeled the Tamil Nadu government as "dishonest" and its people as "uncivilised." Stalin condemned such remarks, stating that attempts to divide the state through political rhetoric would fail. He emphasized, "Even the Prime Minister in Odisha made disparaging remarks about Tamilians. These tactics won’t work here. Tamil Nadu cannot be divided through politics."
Earlier this week, on April 15, Stalin escalated his campaign for greater autonomy for Tamil Nadu. He moved a resolution in the state assembly to establish a high-level committee aimed at enhancing the state’s powers and reclaiming its rights. This committee, chaired by former Supreme Court Justice Kurian Joseph, will also include retired IAS officer Ashok Vardhan Shetty and scholar Mu Nagarajan. The committee is expected to submit an interim report by January 2026 and a final report within two years, focusing on improving state-Centre relations.
At the rally, Stalin inaugurated 6,760 projects worth Rs 1,166.32 crore and laid the foundation stone for an additional 7,369 projects, extending welfare assistance to over 202,531 beneficiaries. "I am very happy to have joined this event in Ponneri, which comes under the Tiruvallur district. This place is the gateway to Tamil Nadu and has paved the way for Fort St. George. We are going to issue pattas to 63,124 people in this district," he announced.
Stalin also criticized the opposition parties, particularly the AIADMK, for acting against the interests of Tamil Nadu by aligning with the BJP. "The Opposition parties are acting as enemy parties instead of being a responsible Opposition. They are compromising with the interests of Tamil Nadu by having ties with a group that is betraying Tamil Nadu," he stated.
In a bold challenge to Amit Shah, Stalin remarked, "Bring all your leaders together. Let's see if you can win by intimidating some of the leaders here and forming an alliance. This is a dignified land that will never allow domination and intimidation. We are aware how you (Centre) will try to lure voters with all kinds of schemes in the next year before the elections. People of the country know very well why this happens. We are not slaves who will submit to all this bullying and threats. No matter if someone is Amit Shah or any other Shah, they cannot rule here. This is Tamil Nadu. As long as this Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin is here, your plan will not work," he asserted.
Stalin’s statements reflect a broader sentiment in Tamil Nadu, where there is a strong push for increased autonomy and a rejection of perceived overreach from the central government. His administration has been vocal about issues affecting the state, including the NEET examination, which many believe undermines local educational systems.
The Chief Minister’s remarks come against the backdrop of significant political maneuvering as the state approaches crucial Assembly elections next year. His firm stance against the central government resonates with a populace that values Tamil identity and autonomy.
Stalin’s administration has faced ongoing tensions with Governor RN Ravi, particularly over the approval of various bills passed by the state assembly. The recent Supreme Court ruling against the Governor’s inaction has been viewed as a victory for the DMK, showcasing the party's influence and commitment to state rights.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the relationship between Tamil Nadu and the central government remains a focal point of contention. With Stalin’s commitment to autonomy and the ongoing challenges posed by the BJP-led central government, the coming months are likely to be pivotal for both the state and its governance.
In conclusion, MK Stalin's emphatic declaration that "Tamil Nadu will never yield to Delhi's rule" encapsulates the state's enduring spirit of self-governance and resistance against external control. As the political climate heats up ahead of the elections, the Chief Minister's words serve as a rallying cry for those advocating for greater autonomy and respect for Tamil Nadu's unique identity.
