Sun Jan 26 01:14:25 IST 2025: ## Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Claims State’s Economic Prowess Amidst Allegations of Central Interference

**Chennai, January 26, 2025** – Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin asserted on Saturday that the state has achieved significant economic growth, boasting a 9.21% contribution to India’s GDP, up from 5.4% four years ago. He highlighted Tamil Nadu’s position as India’s second-largest economy and its leadership in medicine, education, and social welfare. Stalin cited a low multi-dimensional poverty rate of 2.2%, significantly lower than the national average. He also announced the upcoming “Thayumanavar” scheme aimed at poverty eradication within two years.

The Chief Minister attributed the state’s success to its peaceful environment, evidenced by the high number of women workers (41% of India’s total). He also noted over ₹10 lakh crore in private sector investment commitments over the past three years.

However, Stalin accused unnamed “forces” of attempting to stifle Tamil Nadu’s growth by undermining state autonomy and cooperative federalism. He criticized the central BJP government for allegedly imposing Hindi, withholding funds, and launching a “political, economic, social, and cultural invasion” on the state. He specifically condemned the central government’s role in appointing Vice-Chancellors in state universities and its draft UGC regulations, questioning the central government’s authority over state-funded institutions. The DMK Students Wing plans a major protest against these regulations. Stalin declared the DMK’s unwavering opposition to these actions.

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