In an attempt to build bridges and maintain cordial relations with the BJP-led government at the Centre, Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami is said to have advised his Cabinet colleagues to refrain from criticising the Central government publicly.
According to sources, Mr. Palaniswami had, at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, urged Ministers not to be vocal about any grievances they may have against the Centre in public forums, especially in front of the media.
AIADMK spokesperson C.R. Saraswathi stated that the Tamil Nadu government, like any other State government, was dependent on the Centre for funding and implementing various schemes.
“We have requested funds towards drought relief. It is a known fact that our State is going through the most severe drought in 140 years, and we need Central funds to tackle it. We need to be considerate towards the Central government because we need funds for the welfare of the people. That is the main reason behind the Chief Minister’s advice to his Ministers,” she said.
‘Buying peace’
Commenting on this, Professor Ramu Manivannan of the Department of Politics and Public Administration at the University of Madras said that the AIADMK government has taken a non-confrontational stand on the Centre to buy peace.
“With [party leader] Sasikala in jail and T.T.V. Dhinakaran in the ring, the government has chosen to take this non-confrontational attitude to maintain smooth relations with the Centre,” he said.
“Also, the present leadership has no political standing to take up issues with the Centre,” Mr. Manivannan added.
