Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday hit back at Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin for creating “false narratives” on the issue of consulting the Center on bonuses to wheat and paddy farmers, saying the DMK is trying to project itself as the protector of farmers and Tamil people.
In a war of words on Ex, Sitharaman accused Stalin of misinterpreting the January 9 letter written by Expenditure Minister V Valnam to all state governments, and said that while most state governments across party lines understood the intent of the letter and responded in the spirit of cooperative federalism, Prime Minister Stalin chose only to “sensate” the letter.
Tamil Nadu is scheduled to go to the polls on April 23.
In view of the huge surplus in wheat and rice stocks, the Finance Ministry letter advised the state governments to review the existing bonus policy and consider discontinuing bonuses on wheat and rice, and shift focus on incentives to promote pulses, oilseeds and millets in line with national priorities of food security, atmanirbharta and sustainable agriculture.
While the letter was advisory to the states, Stalin claimed on
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Accepting the challenge, Sitharaman posted the letter on
“Any Prime Minister with even a passing commitment to the national interest would welcome this. Instead, Prime Minister Thiru Stalin has chosen to distort a constructive proposal and turn it into an artificial complaint – because for the DMK, India’s strategic requirements are not a concern, but an opportunity to score political points,” she said.
Sitharaman advised Stalin not to waste time on anti-Centre rhetoric and asked him to explain to the people of Tamil Nadu why he was actually giving opportunities to foreign interests instead of making India self-reliant in pulses and oilseeds.
When staple foods depend on imports, domestic food security becomes vulnerable to external shocks and price fluctuations, Sitharaman said. This is unsustainable for a country the size of India. Expanding local production of pulses and oilseeds is not only an economic necessity, but also a strategic need.
“PM Thiru @mkstalin appears to be continuing what he and his party do best, which is drawing a wedge between the Center and states, creating false narratives and presenting themselves as protectors of farmers and other Tamil people,” Sitharaman said.
