CM Stalin To Attend NITI Aayog Meet, Vows To Champion Tamil Nadu’s Financial Rights

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin is set to attend the upcoming NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting in New Delhi on May 24, where he has vowed to strongly advocate for the State’s financial interests. In a pointed statement ahead of the meeting, Stalin emphasised his commitment to securing what he called Tamil Nadu’s "rightful entitlements" from the Union government.

'Will Always Carry The Flag Of Rights': Stalin

Stalin’s remarks come amid renewed political friction with AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami, whom he accused of political flip-flopping and aligning opportunistically with the BJP.

“I will speak up for Tamil Nadu at the NITI Aayog meeting on May 24. Why does it trouble Palaniswami when I raise my voice for the people?” Stalin said, taking aim at the opposition leader’s shifting political alliances. “This is the same man who has knelt before Sasikala, then Amit Shah—now he’s preaching to me?”

Stalin said: "Before the words “No alliance with BJP” could even dry on his tongue, he transformed into a 'Pulikesi' (a satirical character known for switching sides) and went waving the white flag in a single raid. Doesn’t he feel ashamed to accuse me of doing the same?"

Invoking the Dravidian legacy, Stalin reaffirmed his ideological roots in the reformist movements led by Periyar and Kalaignar Karunanidhi, asserting that his commitment to Tamil Nadu's rights is unwavering.

"This hand of Stalin’s holds the red flag of the Dravidian movement! A hand lifted by Periyar! A hand that walked holding Kalaignar’s! I will always carry the flag of rights! I will never crawl! Even today, I’ve filed a case in the Supreme Court for Tamil Nadu’s rights. I will stand firm in my principles! I will fight to secure the rightful funds for Tamil Nadu!" he said.

The NITI Aayog Governing Council, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is expected to include participation from Chief Ministers of several States. Key agenda items are likely to include Centre-State financial cooperation, infrastructure development, and the implementation status of central schemes.

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