Vellore, Jun 26 (PTI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Thursday expressed confidence that his party, the DMK will be holding the reins of power in the state at all times.
Addressing a government function at Mandalavadi in Tirupathur district near here, Stalin said, in view of the resounding reception accorded by various sections of people including women, youths, farmers, workers and students who lined up both sides of the road, it took 6 hours for him to reach Tirupathur from Vellore, a distance of about 90 km.
Underscoring such overwhelming people's support, the chief minister said he would assert with pride that the DMK would always helm Tamil Nadu and the people's enthusiastic, huge reception makes it evident.
Assembly elections, whenever held as per schedule, be it in the year 2026, 2031 or 2036, the DMK would be in power in view of public support, he exuded confidence.
Hitting out at the previous AIADMK regime for not being "concerned" about Tamil Nadu, Stalin said it was his Dravidian model government that brought the state on the pathway of growth leading to unprecedented development.
He said: "Even the union government that betrays Tamil Nadu could not hide our growth. That is why the Centre itself has said that Tamil Nadu has touched a new high in economic growth with 9.69 per cent growth, ahead of other states. Do you know our share in India's GDP? it is 9.21 per cent!
The state is at the first place in social progress index parameters as well and it includes the higher education enrolment ratio."
Detailing the implementation of state government's welfare schemes and Tirupathur district-wise beneficiaries, and fresh announcements for the district, he wondered if Rs 1.20 lakh was sufficient to build a house under the Centre's Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G).
"To build a house, they have fixed Rs 1.20 lakh. Of this, the Centre has to give 60 percent and the state government has to give 40 percent. Can a house be built with Rs 1.20 lakh? he asked. The state government provides additional funding; the state provides Rs 1.62 lakh, while the Centre grants only Rs 72,000, which is its 60 per cent contribution.
"The name (PMAY-G) is theirs, the fund is ours! he said and reiterated his allegation that the centre does not properly release funds to the state.
In the government function, Stalin inaugurated 90 projects including new buildings and amenities in government hospitals, bridges
and laid foundation stone for 60 projects including a 50-bed ICU building at Vaniyampadi hospital at an estimated cost of Rs 20 crore.
Also, he distributed welfare assistance to beneficiaries, which includes housing pattas, marking the rollout of assistance under various schemes and categories to a total of 1,00,168 beneficiaries. In total, the initiatives, projects and assistance are worth Rs 517 crore.