Chennai: Chief minister M K Stalin‘s speech on the final day of the current assembly turned out to be a mix of political courtesy and campaign messaging, where he thanked his political adversaries while expressing confidence that he would come back to power.Stalin thanked Tamil Nadu governor R N Ravi as well as Leader of Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami during his concluding remarks. He said constructive criticism had strengthened the govt. “Those who point out shortcomings are the ones who give wings to our development,” he said. Stalin said he acknowledged EPS for flagging issues, pointing out shortcomings, and offering advice to the govt “in a mature and dignified manner”. “Though he did not turn up today, I thank the Leader of Opposition for extending support to the govt,” he said. Stalin said he bore no personal differences with the governor too. However, he would be the first to oppose anyone who undermines the self-respect of Tamils, Stalin said. “As per Tamil culture, I thank the governor,” he said. The gesture has come in the backdrop of a prolonged friction between the govt and Lok Bhavan and the walkout by governor from the assembly without delivering the customary address during the last sitting.Reflecting on the DMK’s return to power in 2021, Stalin said the victory had brought not only joy but also anxiety, whether he would fulfil electoral promises, govern effectively and meet public expectations. He said the govt had to revive the state from setbacks inherited from the previous regime and navigate `the discriminatory approach’ by the Union govt. “The DMK government overcame all this and ensured comprehensive development through various schemes and projects over the last five years,” he said amid desk-thumping by treasury benches. Stalin said the experience of the past five years had made him stronger and ready to face any challenge. “The Dravidian Model 2.0 that we are going to form will outperform the achievements of this regime,” he declared, listing flagship initiatives such as Vidiyal Payanam, Pudhumai Penn, Naan Mudhalvan, the Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme and the Tamil Nadu Assurance Pension Scheme. Reiterating that the DMK would form the govt “again and again”, he concluded by thanking party cadres, the speaker, senior ministers, alliance leaders and legislators across parties.
