DMK pushed TN backwards with corruption, poor governance: Piyush Goyal

Union Minister Piyush Goyal launched a sharp attack on Tamil Nadu's DMK government, accusing it of corruption, poor governance, and pushing the state backwards. He cited rising drug abuse and a deteriorating administrative environment.

Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the ruling DMK government of Tamil Nadu, saying that they pushed backwards due to corruption and poor governance.

Allegations of Poor Governance and Media Suppression

Addressing the media here, he further claimed that drug abuse has adversely affected the youth and accused the government of enabling a deteriorating administrative environment compared to the tenure of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa. He alleged that the government relies heavily on YouTubers and social media for functioning and accused it of suppressing media by intimidating television channels to prevent the truth from coming out.

Unfulfilled Promises and Neglected Projects

He pointed to poor road infrastructure, water scarcity, and the neglect of the Kousika River as major issues. He also claimed that key projects, including the Rs 1,000 crore Aliyar combined drinking water scheme and the development of Ukkadam Lake, have not been implemented. According to him, 75 of the government's promises remain unfulfilled.

On Fuel Tax and State's Financial Health

Speaking on fuel taxation, Goyal stated that NDA-ruled states have reduced VAT on petrol and diesel, while the DMK government has not followed suit. He further alleged that Tamil Nadu's financial condition has worsened due to excessive borrowing.

Grave Accusations of Corruption

He also accused the state government of misappropriating the retirement funds of 28,000 SC/ST employees and questioned Chief Minister MK Stalin and his family about the whereabouts of these funds. He alleged that the sand and liquor mafia are influencing governance and strongly condemned the remarks made by Udhayanidhi Stalin.

Political Attack on DMK Leadership

Goyal claimed that if the DMK returns to power, Udhayanidhi Stalin could be made Chief Minister, asserting that M.K. Stalin would not return to office. He expressed confidence that the NDA alliance would bring positive change to the state and said that DMK leader V. Senthil Balaji must answer allegations related to the power sector.

Law & Order and Obstruction of Central Schemes

He further alleged that 8,900 murders and two custodial deaths have occurred and said that despite the Union government approving 9 lakh free houses, the scheme has not been implemented in Tamil Nadu. He accused the DMK of obstructing central government welfare schemes.

'DMK Consistently Opposes Development'

Appealing to voters in Coimbatore, Goyal urged them to support NDA candidates in the upcoming elections on April 23. He also criticised the DMK government for submitting an incomplete report on the Coimbatore Metro project and accused it of consistently opposing development. He stated that the Election Commission is an autonomous body and questioned whether the DMK-Congress alliance opposes the 33 per cent reservation for women. He also remarked that steel prices in India are lower compared to neighbouring countries.

Dig at 'Double Standards'

Taking a dig at Udhayanidhi Stalin, Goyal said that his recent visits to temples during election time reflect a double standard. He added that just as sacred ash is wiped off, people would similarly reject such political approaches. Goyal concluded by highlighting the Union government's efforts in improving airports across the country. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)