Sat Jan 11 11:40:39 UTC 2025: **Tamil Nadu CM Rejects Opposition Claims of Protest Restrictions, Highlights State’s Economic Success**
Chennai, January 12, 2025 – Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Saturday refuted allegations that his government was restricting protests and rallies. He stated that over one lakh permits for demonstrations had been issued and that the Opposition could continue to organize protests in designated areas with the necessary permissions.
Stalin cited a Reserve Bank of India report showing Tamil Nadu leading the nation in employment generation, with 842,720 man-days of work in 2023-24. His address to the Assembly also included the passage of several bills aimed at preventing sexual crimes, the establishment of seven special courts to hear sexual assault cases, and a clarification that farmers with gun licenses cannot cull wild boars.
The Chief Minister defended the state’s financial management against criticisms of increased debt and “useless expenditures,” arguing that borrowings remained within acceptable limits and that welfare spending was essential. He criticized the central government for failing to release ₹2,152 crore in education funding, impacting teacher salaries, school maintenance, and the Right to Education Act. He also voiced concerns about the impact of the National Education Policy on higher education in the state. Stalin further dismissed Opposition protests within the assembly, challenging them to express similar opposition to the central government’s policies.
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