Coimbatore: TNCC chief Selvaperunthagai on Thursday alleged that the Centre’s proposed delimitation exercise is an attempt to “punish” Tamil Nadu for effectively controlling its population, and urged voters to back the Congress to safeguard the state’s rights.Campaigning in Karumbukadai–Saramedu area in support of Congress candidate Srinidhi, contesting from Singanallur constituency under the Secular Progressive Alliance, he accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami of working against the interests of the state. “While Stalin gives, Modi and Palaniswami take away,” he said, referring to welfare measures rolled out by the Tamil Nadu government. He claimed that attempts were made to legally block schemes such as the ₹3,000 Pongal gift and financial assistance for women. Highlighting welfare initiatives, he said women could benefit from schemes including ₹2,000 as monthly entitlement support along with additional assistance through govt programmes. Raising the delimitation issue, Selvaperunthagai said, “Tamil Nadu is among the leading states in population control, but instead of being rewarded, it is being penalised.” He also criticised the Centre, alleging that it was trying to curtail the rights of Tamil Nadu, and said black flags were raised as a mark of protest.
