Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Thursday alleged that the Union government is concentrating on “playing with” officials during election time by appointing people favourable to it, and attempting to rig the polls.
Speaking at a DMK alliance campaign meeting in Thanjavur, Stalin said officials showed him a letter sent by the Union government to the Tamil Nadu government. He described the contents as surprising and claimed it reflected the Centre’s approach.
According to Stalin, the letter stated that paddy production is increasing due to the state’s incentive payments and that this is creating various issues, and therefore the incentive should be reconsidered. He said the communication was issued from Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s department.
Stalin questioned whether AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami would condemn the BJP-led Union government over the letter, and alleged that paddy incentives were not increased during Palaniswami’s tenure. He reiterated his promise that the next government would provide Rs 3,500 for paddy procurement and said he would oppose any attempt to block it.
He also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for raising commercial LPG cylinder prices by Rs 203, claiming it has pushed up food prices, including tea and coffee. Stalin said people have already decided to vote for the DMK and asserted he would break claims that he cannot become chief minister for a second consecutive term.
