Sat Mar 29 12:10:23 UTC 2025: **DMK Protests Centre’s Withholding of MGNREGS Funds in Tamil Nadu**
ERODE, Tamil Nadu – March 29, 2025 – Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party members staged widespread protests across Erode district on Saturday, condemning the central government’s alleged withholding of ₹4,034 crore in funds allocated to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).
The demonstrations, echoing Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s recent accusations, saw large numbers of DMK cadre and MGNREGS workers participating in rallies across multiple unions within the district, including Erode, Chennimalai, Modakkurichi, and Kodumudi. Protesters claimed non-payment of wages for over three months, directly impacting their livelihoods. They accused the BJP-led central government of systematically undermining the scheme since 2019, reducing funding and ultimately withholding crucial payments affecting lakhs of workers. Similar demonstrations took place in Perundurai, Sathyamangalam, Anthiyur, Gobichettipalayam, and Bhavanisagar. The protestors demanded the immediate release of the withheld funds.
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