'The time has come: Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin urges legal battle to reclaim states’ powers

NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin used his Independence Day address to urge citizens to reject bigotry, protect the marginalised and defend states’ powers. In a post on X before arriving at the state secretariat, Stalin called for an end to discrimination and for the upholding of democratic ideals. “True freedom means every person can live with equality, dignity and respect,” he said, urging a renewed resolve to build a democracy “where every citizen’s vote counts” and where diversity is cherished as the nation’s greatest strength, in line with the vision of the freedom fighters.

He alleged that while states needed more powers, authority in areas such as education was being “usurped”. Bias in policies, laws and financial sharing, he said, was forcing states to depend on the Union government. “The only way to protect our rights, powers and financial shares is through political and legal battles and that time has come,” he told the gathering. Legal action, he added, was the only solution to retrieve states’ role and powers. “A state government always struggling to get its rightful funds from the Centre does not augur well for federalism.” In his address, Stalin also said people belonging to all religions, languages and cultures had fought and won independence.

The founding fathers, he added, wished the nation to be for all sections of people for all time and fulfilling that vision was the true tribute to them. He announced that the family pension for the kin of freedom fighters would be increased to Rs 12,000 per month. Free bus travel will be provided for all disabled persons in hilly regions under the Vidiyal Payanam initiative. A hostel for ex-servicemen will be built in Chennai’s Madhavaram at a cost of Rs 22 crore, covering 33,000 square feet. The government will also facilitate the training of 10,000 students from construction workers’ families in top industries and multinational companies, at a cost of Rs 15 crore. Stalin hoisted the tricolour at Fort St George to mark the 79th Independence Day.