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    Udhayanidhi Stalin alleges BJP fund squeeze on Tamil Nadu

    Synopsis

    Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin criticized the central government for withholding funds and infringing on state rights. He outlined the DMK's future welfare plans, including doubling financial assistance for women and extending the breakfast scheme. Free laptops for college students and appliance coupons for women were also mentioned. Elections are scheduled for April 23.

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    Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi StalinPTI
    Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin
    Gobichettipalayam: 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.

    Also Read: Fire ignited by Stalin scorched Delhi's arrogance, severe blow to Modi, claims Tamil Nadu CM


    "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.

    Also Read: "This victory is just a trailer:" MK Stalin after 131st Amendment Bill failed to pass Lok Sabha

    "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.

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