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Tamil Nadu Feels Neglected by Modi: Congress

In a discernible dig, the Congress lambasted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging his recent frequent visits to Tamil Nadu starkly contrast with his historical neglect of the state. Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary overseeing communications, raised poignant queries ahead of Modi’s impending visit to Salem, Tamil Nadu, and Palakkad, Kerala, on Tuesday.

“The premier’s itinerary includes Salem, Tamil Nadu, and Palakkad, Kerala, today. A few pivotal queries necessitate his attention: Despite his recent frequent visits, Prime Minister Modi’s historical negligence towards Tamil Nadu remains conspicuous,” Ramesh asserted.

Pointing out an illustrative instance, he highlighted the premier’s absence during the Cyclone Michaung crisis in December 2023. Ramesh underscored the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s persistent pleas for the release of Rs 37,907 crore from the Modi administration for cyclone rehabilitation and reconstruction.

Ramesh queried whether the premier intends to address this pressing need of the Tamil Nadu populace. “During Prime Minister Modi’s Salem visit, one hopes he takes note of the multitude of textile factories that have either ceased operations, liquidated assets, or curtailed labor hours,” he remarked.

In the wake of decimating India’s MSME manufacturing capacities through demonetization, GST, and the impromptu COVID-19 lockdown, Ramesh probed into the premier’s strategy to revive these textile establishments. Prime Minister Modi is slated to address a gathering in Salem on Tuesday, with coalition party leaders, including PMK founder S Ramadoss, expected to attend.

The BJP has intensified its focus on the southern state, eyeing victory in a significant portion of the 39 constituencies as part of its ‘mission 400’ seats in the forthcoming elections. Reflecting on the premier’s Kerala visit, Ramesh remarked, “Kerala, a state infamously compared to Somalia by the premier, consistently outperforms all Indian states in developmental metrics.”

“Will the premier extend a belated apology to the people of Kerala for his erroneous portrayal of the state?” Ramesh queried. Kerala boasts the Western Ghats, an exceedingly delicate yet pivotal ecosystem. Ramesh alleged sustained assaults on this ecosystem over the past decade under Modi’s stewardship.

“The Modi administration has diluted various environmental and forestry regulations to appease select corporates, perhaps as recompense for their contribution to the BJP’s electoral bonds. Will the premier elucidate his rationale behind weakening our environmental safeguarding mechanisms to favor his corporate allies?” Ramesh implored, urging the premier to address these issues shrouded in silence.