Wed Feb 19 20:26:15 UTC 2025: ## Tamil Nadu Deputy CM Accuses Union Government of Betrayal Over Funds
**Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu –** Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Wednesday accused the Union government of betraying the state by withholding funds. Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony for a new jallikattu arena in Suriyur, Tiruchirappalli, he highlighted the DMK’s recent protests in Chennai against the BJP government’s refusal to allocate sufficient funds to Tamil Nadu.
Stalin pointed to the lack of allocation under the National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF) following the 2024 floods, despite other states receiving additional central assistance. He stated that while the state requested ₹6,600 crore, only ₹900 crore was released, and the Union Budget contained no further announcement. He declared that further action would be discussed at a DMK youth wing meeting scheduled for Thursday evening.
The new jallikattu arena, costing ₹3 crore, will feature two galleries with an 800-person capacity and is expected to be completed by November, in time for next year’s event. The project also includes the construction of a vadivasal (a traditional bull-taming enclosure), a multi-purpose hall, and a change room. Several other ministers and officials attended the ceremony.
First Piper 