NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin on Saturday trained his guns on the BJP-led Centre, accusing it of spreading “saffron lies” that surpasses even “blatant lies.”Addressing a rally in Tiruppatur, Stalin said, “Tamil Nadu has been given important places in all the rankings of the Union Government… Knowing all this, Union Minister Piyush Goyal ranted that the state’s development is going backward day by day. We have heard of ‘green lies’ (blatant lies). This is a ‘saffron lie’ that surpasses even that.”Stalin questioned why Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other central leaders did not visit the Keezhadi excavation site despite campaigning nearby. “Why does the historical pride of Tamils taste bitter to you?” he asked.He also alleged that voting for any party other than the DMK-led alliance would effectively benefit the BJP. Accusing the AIADMK of “surrendering the state’s autonomy,” Stalin said, “Even if the AIADMK wins, only a BJP government will be established here.”Highlighting Tamil Nadu’s economic performance, Stalin said the state ranks first in industrial production and textile exports, and second in GDP and per capita income.He outlined key welfare promises under the “Dravidian Model 2.0,” including the ‘Illatharasi’ scheme, which will provide women coupons worth Rs 8,000 to purchase household appliances. He also announced that the monthly ‘Magalir Urimai Thogai’ would be doubled to Rs 2,000.“Just as Leader Kalaignar gave colour TVs and gas stoves as promised, his son will fulfil the Illatharasi scheme,” he said. He added that the government aims to provide laptops to 35 lakh college students by 2030 and raise paddy procurement prices to Rs 3,500 per quintal.Stalin urged voters to choose between a “progressive Tamil Nadu” and what he described as “jungle rule” in BJP-ruled states, citing incidents in Uttar Pradesh and Manipur, PTI reported.He campaigned for alliance candidates in Tiruppatur and nearby constituencies, and earlier in Pudukkottai reiterated his commitment to state autonomy, asserting that no financial pressure would force Tamil Nadu to abandon its two-language policy.
