NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin on Saturday trained his guns on the BJP-led Centre, accusing it of spreading “saffron lies” that surpasses even “blatant lies.”Addressing a rally in Tiruppatur, Stalin said, “Tamil Nadu has been given important places in all the rankings of the Union Government… Knowing all this, Union Minister Piyush Goyal ranted that the state’s development is going backward day by day. We have heard of ‘green lies’ (blatant lies). This is a ‘saffron lie’ that surpasses even that.”Stalin questioned why Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other central leaders did not visit the Keezhadi excavation site despite campaigning nearby. “Why does the historical pride of Tamils taste bitter to you?” he asked.He also alleged that voting for any party other than the DMK-led alliance would effectively benefit the BJP. Accusing the AIADMK of “surrendering the state’s autonomy,” Stalin said, “Even if the AIADMK wins, only a BJP government will be established here.”Highlighting Tamil Nadu’s economic performance, Stalin said the state ranks first in industrial production and textile exports, and second in GDP and per capita income.He outlined key welfare promises under the “Dravidian Model 2.0,” including the ‘Illatharasi’ scheme, which will provide women coupons worth Rs 8,000 to purchase household appliances. He also announced that the monthly ‘Magalir Urimai Thogai’ would be doubled to Rs 2,000.”Just as Leader Kalaignar gave colour TVs and gas stoves as promised, his son will fulfil the Illatharasi scheme,” he said. He added that the government aims to provide laptops to 35 lakh college students by 2030 and raise paddy procurement prices to Rs 3,500 per quintal.Stalin urged voters to choose between a “progressive Tamil Nadu” and what he described as “jungle rule” in BJP-ruled states, citing incidents in Uttar Pradesh and Manipur, PTI reported.He campaigned for alliance candidates in Tiruppatur and nearby constituencies, and earlier in Pudukkottai reiterated his commitment to state autonomy, asserting that no financial pressure would force Tamil Nadu to abandon its two-language policy.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos”Don’t Assume It’s Over” Rajnath Cautions On West Asia ConflictJag Vikram Leads Way, First Indian Ship Through Hormuz Post CeasefireSupreme Court Clarifies: Right To Vote And Contest Elections Not Fundamental Rights, But StatutoryCDS General Anil Chauhan Says All Services On The Same Page On Theatre CommandTharoor Attacks Pak, Says Terror History Can’t Be Wiped Out Before TalksMaha Vir Chakra Awardee Col Sonam Wangchuk Passes Away; Kargil War Hero Remembered For BraveryIndia Sends Second Medical Shipment To Iran, Wins Praise Amid Ongoing Regional Conflict CrisisVikram Misri’s Paris–Berlin Visit: India Pushes Defence, Energy & Trade Ties Amid Global TensionsUP’s Massive Voter List Reset: 8.43 Million Added, 13.2% Deleted in Longest-Ever RevisionNitish Kumar’s Rajya Sabha Oath Triggers Bihar Leadership Buzz: Who Will Be the Next CM?123PhotostoriesBollywood who? These Indian royals are the new kings of menswearPolka dots to tiger stripes: 5 Y2K prints everyone is wearing right nowRavi Bishnoi’s Jodhpur house: A reflection of tradition, comfort, and calm livingTop 6 residential areas in Vadodara for buyers and investorsThat back pain may not be muscle strain: Early signs of kidney issues people often missWhy gold remains India’s favorite investment and fashion’s biggest statement5 mantras to teach your kids for successDhabas fined Rs 1.45 lakh for hygiene violations: 6 common hygiene issues at dhabas and how to handle themParkinson’s can begin silently in your 40s: Early warning signs, hidden risks, and habits that may slow its progressionRajpal Yadav and Radha’s enduring love story: Defying cultural differences, 13-year age gap and family doubts123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingStephen Curry charityLaura Loomer reactionIndia Lebanon civilianRajouri grenade recoveryUS stock marketPAN Card application 2026Hinjewadi Metro lineUS inflationSchool Holidays in AprilLaken Snelling case
NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin on Saturday trained his guns on the BJP-led Centre, accusing it of spreading “saffron lies” that surpasses even “blatant lies.”Addressing a rally in Tiruppatur, Stalin said, “Tamil Nadu has been given important places in all the rankings of the Union Government… Knowing all this, Union Minister Piyush Goyal ranted that the state’s development is going backward day by day. We have heard of ‘green lies’ (blatant lies). This is a ‘saffron lie’ that surpasses even that.”Stalin questioned why Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other central leaders did not visit the Keezhadi excavation site despite campaigning nearby. “Why does the historical pride of Tamils taste bitter to you?” he asked.He also alleged that voting for any party other than the DMK-led alliance would effectively benefit the BJP. Accusing the AIADMK of “surrendering the state’s autonomy,” Stalin said, “Even if the AIADMK wins, only a BJP government will be established here.”Highlighting Tamil Nadu’s economic performance, Stalin said the state ranks first in industrial production and textile exports, and second in GDP and per capita income.He outlined key welfare promises under the “Dravidian Model 2.0,” including the ‘Illatharasi’ scheme, which will provide women coupons worth Rs 8,000 to purchase household appliances. He also announced that the monthly ‘Magalir Urimai Thogai’ would be doubled to Rs 2,000.“Just as Leader Kalaignar gave colour TVs and gas stoves as promised, his son will fulfil the Illatharasi scheme,” he said. He added that the government aims to provide laptops to 35 lakh college students by 2030 and raise paddy procurement prices to Rs 3,500 per quintal.Stalin urged voters to choose between a “progressive Tamil Nadu” and what he described as “jungle rule” in BJP-ruled states, citing incidents in Uttar Pradesh and Manipur, PTI reported.He campaigned for alliance candidates in Tiruppatur and nearby constituencies, and earlier in Pudukkottai reiterated his commitment to state autonomy, asserting that no financial pressure would force Tamil Nadu to abandon its two-language policy.
