Chennai, February 26 Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagenthran accused the DMK-led government in the state on Thursday of "taking undue credit" for central welfare schemes, alleging that the ruling party was simply affixing its stickers on projects funded and initiated by the Union government.
Speaking to reporters after inaugurating the NDA election office here, Nagenthran said that basic facilities such as drinking water under the Jal Jeevan Mission, road infrastructure, and 60 per cent of housing costs are being funded by the Centre.
"Even free rations at shops are provided by the Centre, yet the state government simply puts its stickers on these schemes to claim credit. You should ask the state government why they are not acknowledging these central contributions," he said.
On the occasion, the BJP leader formally confirmed the formation of the NDA for the 2026 assembly elections under the leadership of AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami.
He stated that the alliance, which includes the PMK, Tamil Maanila Congress, and several other regional parties, was forged under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Launching a sharp attack on Chief Minister M K Stalin, Nagenthran termed the current administration a "family rule" rather than a government for the people.
He alleged a total collapse of law and order, claiming that the state has become flooded with synthetic drugs and ganja.
"They cannot even appoint a DGP properly. Students are carrying ganja and knives instead of books, and even teachers are being intimidated. Women and young girls, from 10 to 70 years old, are suffering from sexual violence," he alleged.
Nagenthran further claimed that the state's administration is inefficient, citing 34 custodial deaths and the lack of fulfillment of poll promises such as the old pension scheme and monthly electricity billing.
He dismissed the state's Rs 1,000 assistance for women as a "calculated move" for the elections, noting it was denied for 28 months and currently excludes many eligible recipients.
"As our Prime Minister said, we need a double engine government – under Brother EPS in the state and PM Modi in the Centre – to make Tamil Nadu and India prosper," he said, highlighting central investments worth thousands of crores in Thoothukudi and the introduction of eleven Vande Bharat trains.
Responding to a query regarding the launch of a new party by V K Sasikala, he said while many may start political parties, the people remain with the NDA.