Fake development can derail the country: DMK’s Stalin at #SouthConclave17
He could have easily been a shining star on the horizon of southern cinema, but MK Stalin, son of DMK veteran M Karunanidhi, and currently the working president of his party, always knew that politics was his first love. Not only has he proved his mettle in the fire of Tamil Nadu’s tough political battlefield, he has also shown that he’s an able administrator, a dedicated party worker and a man deeply committed to the anti-caste, egalitarian Periyar brand of Dravidian politics, which has held Tamil Nadu together for over five decades now.
Stalin, who was the Mayor of Chennai from 1996 to 2002, spoke at India Today’s #SouthConclave17, on Day 2 of the two-day chock-a-bloc forum for discussions and debates, on the past, present and future of Tamil Nadu.
Touching upon various issues, particularly elaborating on the welfare economics and politics that is still alive and kicking in Tamil Nadu, easily one of India’s most developed states, Stalin elaborated and even kicked the hornet’s nest by saying that PM Modi’s demonetisation drive has caused much pain to the people of India.
 |
| MK Stalin, son of DMK veteran M Karunanidhi, always knew that politics was his first love. [Photo: PTI] |
His session was called “Development or Doles: What works in Tamil Nadu”, and he ripped apart the false binary of the two ideas, saying they effectively work in unison.
On #SouthConclave17
Stalin said he’s happy to be part of the conclave, a forum for great debates and discussions packed in one place, which is where agenda for the future of much of South India, and indeed the entire country, would be set.
On ‘fake development’
Stalin was particularly scathing on what he said what “fake development”, that is hype around non-achievements, parading false figures, misleading people with a wrong narrative of growth when there has been none.
“A fake development could derail the country, derail its people”, Stalin said, mincing no words whatsoever, and making a pointed remark clearly meant for the ruling party at the Centre.
On measured growth
Stalin said that “DMK always believed in measured achievable growth”, which was gradual but more inclusive, took everyone along and in keeping with the Dravidian politics of equality for all.
“Why should we always think of America? Tamil Nadu and India will become the best place for industries”, he said in a confident Tamil, which was voice-transliterated into English in real time.
 |
| Stalin said that DMK has always believed in measured achievable growth. [Photo: Indiatoday.in] |
On doles
Stalin took a critical position on what is often referred to as the economics of “doles”, and explained that welfare schemes have much to contribute in building a more equal society.
“I don’t always support freebies or doles. But schemes like mid-day meals are for the betterment of people”, he said, clearly drawing a distinction between electoral stratagems to win over a vote-bank at the last moment, and thorough, well-executed welfare schemes in nutrition, healthcare, school education and related sectors.
“Social schemes should be based on equality and social integrity, only then such schemes can do well,” Stalin said. “When we give TV sets to people, entertainment is a necessary part of our culture”, he added.
“We don’t have any vested interest while offering freebies. They are always useful for the people”, he continued.
On Tamil Nadu PDS
“Even the Supreme Court has mentioned that Tamil Nadu has the best public distribution system”, he said, emphasising that states need independence to implement welfare schemes – whether generated from the Centre or initiated by the state itself – properly.
On demonetisation
“Demonetisation is a painful step. It created a lot of suffering for the poor people. The scheme was not properly planned,” Stalin said, hitting a clear nerve that has been jangling for over two months now.
 |
| Stalin said demonetisation was not properly planned and created a lot of suffering for the poor. [Photo: PTI] |
“There should a match between what political parties say and what they do”, said Stalin, once again targeting the BJP, which has been parading claims of development and dangling growth stories which are patently false.
It is also obvious that Stalin tore into Venkaiah Naidu’s earlier talk where he claimed that PM Modi has become a brand which will influence the coming elections in Tamil Nadu. Clearly, Stalin isn’t impressed.