Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin is confident of securing a second consecutive term, a first in the history of DMK. Answering questions by TOI journalists, the DMK president alleges that attempts are being made “from Delhi” to erode India’s diversity, curtail the rights of states, and impose a centralised, authoritarian order. This election is, in essence, Tamil Nadu versus Delhi, he says, and adds, “Our alliance is a strong, winning coalition.” Excerpts: How do you see DMK’s prospects ahead of what could be a tough multi-cornered contest?In this election, the victory of the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance is assured. However intense the contest may look, we are confident. The people stand with us. How would you describe your first five-year tenure as chief minister?We have governed with the principle of “everything for everyone”. Through countless welfare initiatives, we have stood by millions of families. When I assumed office, I said we would deliver such exemplary governance that even those who did not vote for us would feel they had missed an opportunity. I believe we have fulfilled that promise. Under Dravidian Model 2.0, we will provide more benefits and implement far-reaching development programmes. How will you describe your style of governance as compared to that of your father?The Dravidian model govt under my leadership is a continuation of the legacies of Anna and Kalaignar. There are reports that there is a discord between you and Rahul after DMK turned down Congress’ demand for share in power and more seats?That is not news; they are mere rumours. Our alliance is a strong, winning coalition. What is the idea behind bringing several parties into the alliance? Critics say it is because DMK is unsure of victory.It is precisely because ours is a winning alliance that several new parties have chosen to join us. An already strong coalition has grown even stronger. What is the reasoning behind asking smaller alliance partners to contest under DMK’s ‘rising sun’ symbol despite their reported discontent?Rather than contesting under a new symbol based merely on perceived prospects, our alliance partners choose to contest under symbols that already enjoy recognition among the people. In our alliance, there is no compulsion. Many parties themselves express a preference to contest under the well-established ‘rising sun’ symbol, given its strong connect with the electorate, and are allotted the symbol accordingly. Why do you describe this contest as Team Tamil Nadu vs Team Delhi?Under the slogans of “one nation, one religion”, “one nation, one language” and “one nation, one election”, attempts are being made from Delhi to erode India’s diversity, curtail the rights of states, and impose a centralised, authoritarian order. Even as other states may have been brought under their influence, Tamil Nadu continues to stand firm in resisting such tendencies. It is for this reason that there are efforts to assert control over the assembly elections. Unable to establish a direct foothold here, they seek to enter through proxies and backdoor arrangements.The Union govt has consistently mounted attacks on Tamil Nadu’s financial, linguistic, educational, cultural, and political rights. Now, through its allies, it approaches the assembly elections, with even seat-sharing negotiations being conducted in Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah have stated that this is an NDA alliance and that an NDA govt is the goal. This election is, in essence, Tamil Nadu versus Delhi. And in this contest, the Tamil Nadu front will decisively prevail over the Delhi camp. Opposition parties say DMK has not fulfilled most of its 2021 election promises. How do you respond?For the first time in political history, a govt has fulfilled nearly 80% of the electoral promises. Even as the Union govt has sought to disadvantage Tamil Nadu through financial constraints and by withholding approvals for key development projects, we have delivered on most of our commitments.Beyond these, we have implemented numerous landmark initiatives not mentioned in our manifesto, including the breakfast scheme, Pudhumai penn, Thamizh pudhalvan, Naan mudhalvan, Makkalai thedi maruthuvam, Innuyir kappom and Thozhi hostels.While many parties release manifestos, it is only DMK’s manifesto that commands the people’s trust. The reason is simple: we do what we say, and we say only what we will do. How far are you from achieving your goal/ poll promise of a trillion-dollar economy?Our foremost objective is to transform Tamil Nadu into a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2030. To realise this goal, a series of economic initiatives are being pursued under the Dravidian model of governance. We have released the Vision 2030 document, outlining a structured pathway to achieve this long-term ambition. Through Global Investors Meets and overseas engagements, we have attracted investments exceeding `12 lakh crore. Investments are being channelled into sectors such as electronics, automotive components, information technology, footwear and textiles.We have set clear targets: to attract investments worth about `18 lakh crore, to raise exports to $120 billion, and to generate 5 million new jobs through industrial and infrastructure expansion. We also aim to position Tamil Nadu among the world’s top 20 start-up ecosystems by 2035. Further, we are committed to establishing Tamil Nadu as a global hub for electric vehicles, semiconductor manufacturing and electronics production. How do you counter charges of corruption and the state’s mounting debt?Despite numerous constraints, discriminatory GST devolution, delays in releasing funds for education, drinking water projects, and the rural employment guarantee scheme, as well as inadequate allocations in the Union Budget, we have overcome these challenges and kept Tamil Nadu on the path of growth. We have expanded the state’s economy to `30 lakh crore.During the DMK govt (2021–2026), Tamil Nadu’s debt increased by 96%. In contrast, under AIADMK (2016–2021), it rose by 128%. Our debt-to-GSDP ratio stands at 26.43%, well within the permissible limit of 28.7%. Borrowing under our administration has been more prudent and restrained compared to the previous regime.It is also pertinent to note that under the Palaniswami govt, debt rose sharply without the delivery of substantial welfare programmes. In contrast, our govt has implemented major welfare initiatives, alongside significant infrastructure development, while still maintaining fiscal discipline.To those in the opposition who question us, one must ask: do they not see the rising debt under the Union govt? Is the Modi govt governing without borrowing? Under the BJP-led regime, India’s overall debt has increased by nearly 220%. Having left Tamil Nadu burdened with debt, the AIADMK now seeks to question us, even as BJP is pushing the nation in a similar direction. Neither party holds the moral authority to lecture us on this issue.Unable to find fault with the Dravidian model of governance, attempts are being made to cast aspersions through the misuse of investigative agencies, accompanied by allegations of corruption and irregularities. Such orchestrated slander will not find acceptance among the people. How do you respond to the campaign that DMK govt has failed to curb crime, especially against women, and spread of narcotics?Tamil Nadu stands among the safest states in India for women. It also has one of the highest proportions of women in the workforce. Attempts to spread rumours and instil fear will not succeed; the women of Tamil Nadu themselves will deliver a fitting response to such efforts by the Delhi-led alliance. It is, in fact, in BJP-ruled states such as Manipur and Uttar Pradesh that crimes against women have seen a disturbing rise. Gujarat, represented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has also faced serious concerns on related issues. If Palaniswami so wishes, he may take his campaign to BJP-ruled states and speak about the rise in crimes against women there. Edappadi K Palaniswami has challenged you to a direct debate comparing the achievements of AIADMK and DMK govts. Will you accept that?At every platform, I have been presenting the five-year achievements of the Dravidian model govt. In contrast, Palaniswami confines himself to personal attacks and slander. Unable to speak of his own record in office, he appears to rely on such baseless allegations, and that, surely, is evident to all.
