Congress president and United Progressive Alliance chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday lauded the Tamil Nadu government, headed by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam president M. Karunanidhi, for its pro-poor attitude.
Addressing an election rally here along with the leaders of Democratic Progressive Alliance, she said the Congress had a different model of development. It aimed at inclusive development which meant that “the fruits must be shared equitably by all sections of the poor, deprived and neglected.”
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) was in the alliance of the Congress because it shares its vision of inclusive development, she said. Ms.Gandhi, who described Tamil Nadu as one of the frontline States which had achieved development in various spheres, spoke of the “tremendous benefits” it enjoyed thanks to its rapport with the Centre.
“The Central government and the State government will work for faster and more inclusive development.”
She was happy to note that the Tamil Nadu government had been implementing several welfare schemes, including free electricity for farmers which had become “an example for the rest of the country.”
Similarly, its projects for the welfare of the deprived sections such as the Dalits had become an example for many other States to emulate. This was why she was seeking votes for a government “which fulfils its promises.”
DMK president and Chief Minister M.Karunanidhi, who expressed his happiness over the Central government acceding to his request for granting classical language status to Tamil, urged the Centre to make Tamil one of the official languages in the country.
While seeking restoration of education to the State List, he pointed out that a number of committees had recommended so.
Explaining how Indian fishermen had been subjected to untold suffering because of the ceding of Katchatheevu, Mr.Karunanidhi requested the Centre to get it back. “This is not an issue of rights, but of lives”
Lamenting that a number of river water litigations had been dragging on in courts, including those of the Cauvery, Mullaperyiar and Palar, he pleaded for an early solution. “Only that can prevent anarchy”, he said and added that he was not giving this as an “advice” but as a “caution.” Leaders of other constituents of the DPA including S. Ramadoss of the Pattali Makkal Katchi and Thol. Thirumavalavan of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi spoke.
