Tue Dec 23 11:35:43 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a news article based on it:

Summary:

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has criticized AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami for allegedly defending the central government’s actions related to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). Stalin claims the BJP-led central government is weakening the scheme, imposing new conditions, delaying wage payments, and shifting a significant financial burden onto state governments. He accuses Palaniswami of failing to stand up to the central government and, in doing so, jeopardizing his own political future.

News Article:

Stalin Accuses AIADMK Leader of Defending “Grave for MGNREGS”

CHENNAI, Dec. 23, 2025 (The Hindu e-Paper) – Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin today launched a sharp attack on AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, accusing him of spreading falsehoods and failing to challenge the central government’s alleged dilution of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).

In a post on social media platform X, Stalin questioned Palaniswami’s silence on the central government’s new conditions and delayed wage payments under MGNREGS. He alleged that the BJP government has effectively abdicated its responsibility for guaranteeing even a single day of work under the scheme.

“You once claimed to have exerted pressure on your masters not to remove Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the scheme,” Stalin stated, addressing Palaniswami directly. “But what has happened? The Centre does not seem to accord you even the slightest importance.”

Stalin further criticized the move to shift 40% of the financial burden of MGNREGS onto state governments. He accused Palaniswami of “defending the BJP government as it digs a grave for MGNREGS,” a scheme Stalin credited with eradicating poverty and upholding the dignity of the people. The Chief Minister warned that by defending the central government’s actions, Palaniswami is “effectively writing the conclusion of your political life.”

The comments reflect growing tensions between the state government and the opposition AIADMK party over the implementation and funding of the vital rural employment scheme.

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