Tue Apr 15 22:40:20 UTC 2025: ## Tamil Nadu Assembly Debates State Autonomy; BJP Walks Out
**Chennai, April 16, 2025** – The Tamil Nadu Assembly witnessed heated debate on Tuesday over state autonomy, culminating in a walkout by the BJP. BJP MLA Nainar Nagenthran argued that demands for complete state autonomy would weaken the nation, suggesting alternative platforms like the GST Council for resolving Centre-State issues. He criticized the formation of a high-level committee to study Centre-State relations, announced by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.
The BJP’s ally, the AIADMK, was absent from the proceedings, having walked out earlier on a separate matter. This absence drew criticism from Chief Minister Stalin, who urged all parties to unite in protecting Tamil Nadu’s rights, irrespective of political affiliations.
Minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan clarified the BJP’s claims about devolution percentages within the GST framework, highlighting the exclusion of cess and surcharges from the divisible pool. He also contested the BJP’s assertion that the GST Council exemplified federalism.
The debate also involved clarifications regarding historical figures and events. Congress MLA K. Selvaperunthagai disputed BJP claims about the introduction of NEET and GST, while VCK MLA S.S. Balaji and DMK MLA N. Ezhilan countered BJP MLA Nagenthran’s interpretation of B.R. Ambedkar’s views on state autonomy and linguistic reorganization of states.
Chief Minister Stalin, accepting a request to reprint and redistribute a 1974 speech by former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi on state autonomy, expressed regret over the AIADMK’s absence from the crucial discussion. He appealed to the AIADMK to join forces to protect Tamil Nadu’s interests. Leader of the House Duraimurugan accused the Union government of adopting an “imperialist” mindset, withholding funds from states that hold dissenting views. The DMK reiterated its long-standing commitment to state autonomy.
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