Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin took aim at the Centre and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday, accusing them of undermining states’ rights and misrepresenting the DMK’s position on national issues.
He also dismissed the BJP’s claim that it would come to power in the state in the 2026 Assembly elections, saying, “No Shah can rule here. This is Tamil Nadu.”
Speaking at a public function in Thiruvallur district, Stalin criticised Shah’s recent remarks in Chennai — that the state’s ruling DMK was merely engaging in distraction politics — and said, “Tamil Nadu is fighting not just for itself, but on behalf of all states across India. Is it wrong to demand the rights of the states?”
The Chief Minister framed the DMK’s battle as one rooted in principle and federal values. “It was due to the Union government’s inaction that we had to approach the Supreme Court against the Governor, from which we obtained a historic verdict,” Stalin said. “The power of the DMK is now evident not only to the people of Tamil Nadu but to everyone across India.”
He then directed several questions to the Centre: “Can you affirm that NEET exemption will be granted? Can you assure us that Hindi will not be imposed? Can you provide a list detailing the special funds allocated to Tamil Nadu? Can you promise that Tamil Nadu’s representation will not be reduced in the upcoming delimitation process?”
Referring to Shah’s comments, Stalin asked, “If what we are doing is called distraction, why have you not provided clear answers to the people of Tamil Nadu on these critical issues?”
The Chief Minister also responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent comment in Rameswaram, where the PM said, “No matter how much we give, they keep complaining.” Hitting back, Stalin asked, “Are states beggars just because they seek support from the Union government? Did you not, during your tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister, accuse the Union government of using Governors to interfere and discriminate in fund allocation to Opposition-ruled states?”
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Emphasising the need for decentralisation, Stalin likened states to mothers who know what their children need. “Only a mother knows what her child needs. If someone sitting in Delhi decides what must be given, that mother will rise in protest,” he said.
He accused the BJP-led central government of trying to “undermine Tamil Nadu’s development in every possible way”. “Yet, despite these obstacles, Tamil Nadu continues to top national rankings and statistical indices, as published by the Union government itself. If we can achieve this level of success despite the hindrances, imagine how much more we could do if we received our rightful funds and were left free to exercise our rights,” he said.
“If you continue to obstruct us,” Stalin said, “We will dismantle those barriers through lawful means.”
Referencing Amit Shah’s statement in Parliament that the BJP would come to power in Tamil Nadu in 2026, Stalin said, “Tamil Nadu will never submit to Delhi’s control. We are a people of unique character and identity.”
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He also said BJP’s “strategy of breaking parties and intimidating them through raids may work elsewhere, but it will not work in Tamil Nadu”.
“In 2026 (Assembly elections), it will be the Dravidian model of governance again. Tamil Nadu has always remained out of Delhi’s control,” he said.
In a reference to the BJP’s tie-up with the AIADMK, Stalin asked, “You think you can rule Tamil Nadu by partnering with spineless traitors who lack Tamil identity and dignity?” he asked.
Wrapping up the speech, Stalin said, “We are not the kind of people who yield to such pressure. Not Amit Shah — no ‘Shah’ can rule here. This is Tamil Nadu. As long as Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin is here, your plans will not succeed.”
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“Tamil Nadu will fight. Tamil Nadu will win,” he said.