CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has strongly criticised the BJP-led government at the Centre over the handcuffing and shackling of Indians deported by the US and slammed the Saffron party regime in Uttar Pradesh over the Mahakumbh stampede deaths, alleging improper safety arrangements.
Addressing a public meeting here to condemn the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union government for “betraying” Tamil Nadu, Stalin accused the Centre of not releasing to Tamil Nadu its due share of funds and not extending a helping hand even when natural disasters struck the state. The centre should correct itself, or else it will be corrected and if the union government does not change its attitude, it would lose respect every day in the people’s court.
On the Mahakumbh stampede deaths, the DMK chief alleged 48 persons died as proper safety arrangements had not been made. The BJP government there, however, maintained that deaths were only 30. The Chief Minister further said: “The media says the death toll is 48. Leaders from that state say that it could be even more. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has alleged that bodies were removed using earth movers. A discussion on the matter was not allowed in the Parliament. You invited devotees to the Kumbh festival! Is it not the BJP government’s duty to have provided them safety? PTI
