Tamil Nadu CM Stalin responds to PM Modi's 'crying for funds' jibe, reminds him of similar demands he made as Gujarat CM

Tamil Nadu CM Stalin Hits Back at PM Modi’s ‘Crying for Funds’ Remark, Cites His Past Demands as Gujarat CM

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Tuesday responded sharply to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent jibe accusing opposition-ruled states of “crying for funds,” reminding him of his own demands for financial assistance when he was Gujarat’s chief minister.  

Speaking at a public event in Chennai, Stalin said, “The Prime Minister claims states are begging for funds, but he forgets his own letters as Gujarat CM seeking special financial packages from the Centre.” He further added, “Is it wrong to demand rightful funds for Tamil Nadu’s development? Or is it only acceptable when he does it?”

Stalin’s remarks came after PM Modi, during an election rally in Uttar Pradesh, criticized opposition-led states for “blaming the Centre” instead of managing their finances. The Tamil Nadu CM countered by referencing Modi’s 2012-13 letters to the then-PM Manmohan Singh, requesting additional grants for drought relief and infrastructure projects in Gujarat.  

“Federalism is not about one-sided control,” Stalin asserted. “Tamil Nadu contributes significantly to the nation’s economy, and we deserve fair allocation. Double standards won’t work.”  

Political analysts suggest this exchange highlights growing tensions between the Centre and southern states over fiscal devolution. Meanwhile, BJP leaders in Tamil Nadu dismissed Stalin’s comments as “misleading,” while opposition parties backed his stance.  

As the debate intensifies, citizens await the Centre’s response, with many questioning whether cooperative federalism will prevail or if the financial tug-of-war will escalate further.