T.N. must elect more than 25 NDA MPs in 2024 as gratitude for installing Sengol in Parliament: Amit Shah
The Hindu
Urging Mr. Stalin to listen with attention, Mr. Shah said the Chief Minister should respond to him if he had the courage.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday appealed to the people of Tamil Nadu to elect more than 25 MPs of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the 2024 Lok Sabha election, as an expression of gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for installingSengol, a legacy of the Chola era, in the new Parliament.
He was referring to the Sengol presented by the Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam to the first Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru on the eve of Independence while addressing a public meeting here as part of the BJP’s month-long campaign to take to people the achievements of the government led by Mr. Modi in the last nine years.
Expressing confidence that that BJP-led NDA will return to power in 2024 by winning more than 300 seats, he said that winning more than 25 seats in Tamil Nadu with the blessings of the people here, the NDA can have more Ministers from the State.
Referring to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin challenging Mr. Shah on Saturday to list the contributions of the Union government to Tamil Nadu in the last nine years, the Home Minister said he had come here to provide answers.
Urging Mr. Stalin to listen with attention, Mr. Shah said the Chief Minister should respond to him if he had the courage. He said the “devolution fund” released to the State in the nine years was ₹2.47 lakh crore compared to ₹95,000 crore released during 10 years of United Progressive Alliance (UPA), of which the DMK was a part of. He said ₹58,000 crore was sanctioned in nine years for various national highways projects.
Other achievements he listed included two Vande Bharat Express trains, new integrated terminal at the Chennai airport, new project by Neyveli Lignite Corporation for ₹1,000 crore, construction of 62 lakh toilets for the poor, 82 lakh water connections under the Jal Jeevan Mission, and a new campus for Central Institute of Classical Tamil.
On criticisms over delay in the construction of the new All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Madurai, he asked why did the DMK failed to bring AIIMS to Tamil Nadu when it was part of Union governments in the past. He said while the AIIMS has already begun functioning in a temporary campus, the construction of the new campus will also happen soon.
Ramanathapuram identifies 145 polling stations as sensitive, ensuring security with paramilitary forces ahead of assembly elections, says DEO.
BJP Puducherry president V. P Ramalingam files nomination for Raj Bhavan, joined by Union Minister Mandaviya and Khushbu Sundar.
History-sheeter 'Thoppai' Ganesh shot dead by police in Chennai after attacking officers during attempted escape.
The government plans to amend the FCRA, introducing new regulations for NGO asset management and accountability for key functionaries.
The draft policy for “Responsible Digital Use Among Students”, released on Monday by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, has recommended that parents set structured routines with clear screen-time rules and prioritise privacy, safety, and open conversation with children on digital well-being.
Police Observer Sushant Kumar Saxena conducts surprise inspection at Shencottai police station, reviewing warrants and security arrangements ahead of elections.
Andhra Pradesh government to launch key projects in April, focusing on industrial growth and infrastructure development, says Nara Lokesh.
Lok Sabha refers the Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill to a JPC amid opposition concerns over CSR provisions dilution.
SHG members in Kanniyakumari use snakes and ladders to raise election awareness and boost voter turnout.
Government accelerates consultations for early implementation of the Women’s Reservation Act to ensure women’s representation in 2029 elections.
CM A. Revanth Reddy distributes ₹1 crore insurance cheques to families of deceased Electricity department employees, enhancing financial security for workers.
The Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) registered 634 cases of drunk driving during a week-long special enforcement drive conducted across the city between March 16 and March 22.
GHMC intensifies action against property tax defaulters, seizing properties and offering a One Time Settlement scheme for payments.