Coimbatore (Chennai) April 9 Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday criticized the DMK government in Tamil Nadu, accusing it of creating "false excuses" to block the implementation of one-third reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies.
He said that the Centre intends to add additional seats in the Lok Sabha and legislatures to accommodate this reservation without affecting the existing seats.
"The Congress and DMK are creating all false excuses and are trying to disrupt the Parliament sessions on April 16, 17, and 18, which will ensure one-third reservation without affecting the existing seats," Goyal said.
Addressing a press meet here, the senior BJP leader stated that the central government is seeking the support of the DMK and Congress to ensure that women receive their rightful due starting from the 2029 elections.
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister M K Stalin alleged that the proposed amendment to ensure 33 per cent reservation for women in the midst of elections in states, including Tamil Nadu, appears to be another political maneuver aimed at shaping electoral narratives.
Stalin alleged that the timing for the proposed amendment raised serious suspicions.
Goyal said that the Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu on April 23 is a fight against the "dynastic rule" of the Stalin family, which he alleged has pushed the state into a severe financial crisis.
He claimed that under the current administration, Tamil Nadu has become one of the weakest financial states in the country, with debt levels more than doubling in the last five years.
"Sadly, the DMK government is run by one family. The Stalin family, whether it is Stalin, whether it is Udayanidhi Stalin, whether it is Kanimozhi, whether it is son-in-law Sabareesan, one family known for corruption, known for bad governance, is responsible for taking Tamil Nadu down," he said.
He also questioned the whereabouts of central funds and state revenues, and alleged that the DMK was focused only on corruption and the interests of a single family.
"We see no development of infrastructure and basic amenities despite the state receiving significant money through central taxes and grants," Goyal said, adding that the state has failed to fulfill 70 per cent of its 505 election promises, including petrol price reductions and education loan waivers.
Highlighting a breakdown in governance, he alleged that the state is currently ruled by land, sand, and liquor mafias. He cited a figure of 8,900 murders over the last five years as evidence of a collapsed law and order situation and accused the government of using police machinery to intimidate social media influencers and YouTubers who criticize the administration.
The minister specifically pointed to a perceived lack of safety for women and girls in the state.
On the industrial front, Goyal defended the central government's economic policies, noting that India has entered into nine free trade agreements covering 38 developed nations. He dismissed claims of high raw material costs for MSMEs, asserting that Indian steel prices are among the lowest globally and that engineering exports have hit record growth.
Goyal noted that the industry in the Tirupur belt is so robust that it currently faces a shortage of nearly one lakh workers.
Responding to queries on infrastructure, the union minister blamed the state government for stalling projects like the Coimbatore Metro by failing to submit proper detailed project reports and not acquiring land for railway expansion despite central funds being sanctioned.
Goyal also criticised the DMK for its stance on national unity, accusing the party of trying to "divide the nation" by framing the election as a battle between Tamil Nadu and Delhi.
He emphasised that the Centre and state must work as collaborators rather than competitors for faster development.
"We have to work as collaborators, not competitors. Delhi is there to run the whole country. The state government has to run Tamil Nadu, and when both work together, the state develops faster," Goyal said.
He also defended the Election Commission as a neutral constitutional body that must intervene when state machinery is misused to suppress free speech.
"The Election Commission is a constitutional authority. It is seeing how the DMK is trying to misuse the police. Should the Election Commissioner be a mute spectator? Or should he ensure free and fair polls, which is his duty," Goyal asked.