Udhayanidhi Targets BJP Over Rs 3,000 Cr Dues, Says Centre ‘Denied Tamil Nadu Its Rights’

Udhayanidhi Stalin alleges Centre withheld Rs 3,000 crore for education, vows welfare expansion if DMK returns to power.

Udhayanidhi Stalin addresses an Election campaign rally in Tamil Nadu's Erode, criticising Centre over funds and state rights.

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Key points generated by AI, verified by newsroom

• Stalin accuses Union government of withholding state funds.
• DMK vows to double women's financial aid if re-elected.
• Free laptops for college students, breakfast scheme expanded.
• Election for 234 seats scheduled for April 23.

Gobichettipalayam, Apr 18 (PTI) Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Saturday charged the BJP government at the Centre with not releasing funds to the state and accused it of "snatching" TN's rights.

Addressing a poll rally at Gobichettipalayam in the western Erode district, the DMK youth wing chief claimed the Centre has not released funds to the tune of Rs 3,000 crore for education.

"They (union government) have snatched all our rights," he charged.

With regard to the Centre's proposal for delimitation, he said chief minister M K Stalin was the first person in the country to raise the voice against the union government's move. He claimed that it was a "huge victory" for the INDIA alliance, as the bill was defeated for lack of majority after the opposition voted against it in the Lok Sabha.

Listing out various welfare measures implemented by the DMK government, he said the existing "Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai" (monthly financial assistance for women) will be doubled to Rs 2,000 if DMK was voted to power again.

The deputy chief minister charged that the BJP and AIADMK have tried to stall it by moving the court. "At present more than 1.3 crore women have benefited from the scheme", he said.

"Similarly, the breakfast scheme for the government school students will be extended till Class VIII", he said adding "more than 35 lakh college students across the state will be getting free laptops once the DMK government is formed".

Udhayanidhi also pointed out at the "Illatharasi" poll promise, providing Rs 8,000 worth of coupons to non-income tax paying women where they could buy or replace any household appliances of their choice.

Elections to 234 Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu will be held on April 23 and the results declared on May 4 following counting of polled votes. PTI SNR SNR SA

(This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)