Despite the hurdles put up by the Centre, Tamil Nadu has emerged number one in growth, says Chief Minister Stalin

DMK president M.K. Stalin highlights Tamil Nadu's growth despite obstacles from BJP-led government, emphasizing the fight for state's welfare.

Despite the BJP-led government at the Centre placing innumerable obstacles, Tamil Nadu has emerged as the number one State in terms of growth, DMK president and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin said on Sunday.

Speaking at the party’s general council meeting in Madurai to strategise for the 2026 Assembly election, he said the DMK government was fighting the BJP-led Central government that had placed so many hurdles to hamper the growth of Tamil Nadu.

“It is trying to cripple the State’s economy by denying its rightful share. Yet, we have overcome the hurdles and continue to be a welfare State,” he said.

“The struggles and crises we are passing through are not ordinary. We are the ruling party in the State. Yet, we are facing the difficulties that would normally be faced by an Opposition party. Even if I am the Chief Minister, I am fighting for everything as if I were in the Opposition. This is a fight for Tamil Nadu’s welfare and the rights of the States. All kinds of obstacles — be it political, economic, or constitutional in the form of the Governor — are being created to snatch away the rights of Tamil Nadu,” he said.

Mr. Stalin said public support to the government was much more than any anti-incumbency wave. Some were trying to divert the attention of the people. As the Assembly election was just months away, disinformation, fake news, and fake surveys would be spread through social media, he cautioned.

They [the BJP] would try to defame the government with lies and use social media for the purpose. “Truth should reach the people before their lies,” he said.

People should be made to realise that the BJP was divisive, would indulge in communal riots, and would eventually erase the Tamil identity, he said.