Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday strongly criticized the central government, asserting that the southern state would never submit to the control of New Delhi. Addressing a public gathering, Stalin declared that Tamil Nadu has always remained independent of the Centre’s political influence and would continue to do so.
Responding to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent remarks predicting a BJP government in Tamil Nadu by 2026, Stalin said, “I challenge Amit Shah—Tamil Nadu will never yield to Delhi’s administration. We are unique. What works in other states—breaking parties and using raids to form governments—won’t work here. Tamil Nadu is always out of control of Delhi.”
He also posed direct questions to Amit Shah regarding key concerns in the state. “Can the Union Home Minister assure us that NEET will be scrapped? Will he promise that Hindi won’t be imposed? Can he list any special funds released for Tamil Nadu? Will he guarantee that delimitation won’t reduce Tamil Nadu’s parliamentary seats?” Stalin asked, accusing the Centre of ignoring the state’s interests.
Slamming Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s controversial comments, where he allegedly called the people of Tamil Nadu “uncivilised,” Stalin emphasized that such divisive rhetoric would not work. “You tried to divide Tamil Nadu through politics. Even the Prime Minister made disparaging remarks about Tamilians in Odisha. But Tamil Nadu cannot be divided,” Stalin asserted.
Reaffirming his commitment to state autonomy, the Chief Minister also referenced a resolution passed in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on April 15 to establish a high-level committee to examine greater state rights and autonomy in governance. Headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Kurian Joseph, the panel will submit an interim report by January 2026 and a final report within two years. The committee is also expected to make recommendations on redefining the relationship between the state and the Union government.
Stalin’s remarks reflect the continuing friction between the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government and the Centre, particularly around issues of federalism, education policy, and linguistic rights.