• tamil Nadu chief minister M.K. Stalin’s pongal message and welfare announcements have sparked a political row between the state government and its critics, including voices aligned with the Centre and opposition parties. In his message, stalin promoted the “Dravidian model” as a secular alternative and accused the Union government of neglecting tamil Nadu by not allocating sufficient funds, saying the state is treated like it is in a “permanent corona” situation due to systematic under‑funding.
• stalin also announced a ₹3,000 cash gift for rice ration card holders and expanded pongal welfare packages ahead of the festival — part of a large scheme benefiting over 2.2 crore families, including Sri Lankan tamil refugees, through cash, food items, dhotis and sarees. This extensive welfare rollout — reportedly costing nearly ₹7,600 crore — has intensified political debate, especially as it coincides with the build‑up to the 2026 assembly elections.
• Critics countered Stalin’s claims by asserting that tamil Nadu has received significant funds from the Centre for infrastructure and other development, and they pointed to concerns over governance issues such as law and order and crime control under the current state administration. The disagreement has underscored deeper ideological and political tensions between the state leadership and its opponents ahead of key electoral battles.
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