Stalin at CPM Party Congress: 'Will join hands in states' fight to protect rights'

MADURAI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin stated that his state would join hands with Kerala and other states in the fight to protect their rights. He was delivering the keynote speech at the seminar titled "Federalism is India’s Strength," organized at Raja Muthiah Hall in connection with the CPM Party Congress.

"The BJP-led central government is allergic to the very idea of federalism. Governors in opposition-ruled states act more like full-time politicians. When Narendra Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, he advocated for implementing the recommendations of the Sarkaria Commission and Punchhi Commission to improve Centre-State relations. However, after becoming Prime Minister, he has adopted policies that undermine states," Stalin remarked.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also criticized the Centre, stating that its approach constantly challenges federalism. "Several centrally sponsored schemes worsen economic disparities. States should have the constitutional right to allocate funds freely under the heads assigned to them. Mutual respect and recognition are the foundation of the federal system," Pinarayi emphasized.

Call for a united front against the Centre
CPM Politburo Coordinator Prakash Karat called for a strong collective effort against the Modi government's discrimination towards non-BJP-ruled states. "Even in times of natural disasters, the BJP government denies opposition-ruled states the financial aid they rightfully deserve," Karat pointed out.

The event was chaired by K. Balakrishnan. Karnataka Minister Dr. M.C. Sudhakar also addressed the gathering. CPM Tamil Nadu State Secretary P. Shanmugam presented mementos to Pinarayi Vijayan, M.K. Stalin, and K. Balakrishnan. The memento was a wooden sculpture featuring Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels together.

With Stalin attending the event, a large number of DMK supporters flocked to the venue. When Pinarayi Vijayan referred to Stalin as his "brother," the audience erupted in applause. The cheers grew louder when Stalin responded, saying he saw Pinarayi as his "elder brother."