CHENNAI: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday charged that Tamil Nadu, despite being a State rich in human resources and natural resources, had been ruined because of freebie culture adopted by the Dravidian parties.
Stating that the BJP was striving to change this trend and take the State on the path of development, he said it had been emerging as an alternative force in the State.
“Both AIADMK and DMK have been offering freebies like household utensils and television sets etc., in every election. In fact, Tamil Nadu is drowned in freebie culture. How long this can continue? These parties trying to keep the people of the State always under poverty and never take them to development. And in every election, whoever offers more number of freebies, they come to power. The BJP wishes to change this trend and offer governance with futuristic vision”, the BJP leader said addressing an election campaign at Mylapore.
People should understand that these freebies were given out of their tax money, he said and added that from 2006-16, so far these governments had spent Rs 11,600 crore on freebies.
“People should ponder over this fact: “the freebies may give temporary joy. But can they resolve our overall livelihood issues? Drinking water scarcity and electricity problems continue in the State. The TNEB is in the grip of Rs 80,000 crore debt burden,” he added.
“The AIADMK and DMK believe that the other party could come to power once in five years. By this belief, both parties are trying to send a message to the people that apart from them, a third force cannot come to power in Tamil Nadu,” he said.
The BJP leader said that wherever his party was not in power, it was growing as a third force and in Tamil Nadu too, the BJP was striving to emerge as the alternative force since the State should not be left to the Dravidian majors any longer.
The BJP is contesting in this election with full vigour to take Tamil Nadu on the national mainstream. “We can resolve all issues of Tamil Nadu, if we give up this freebie culture”, he added.
Earlier in the day, Rajnath Singh also addressed election campaign meetings at Salem, Thiruvadanai and Karaikal.
‘BJP emerging as a third force’
The Home Minister asserted that wherever his party was not in power, it was emerging as a third force, adding that in TN as well, the BJP was striving to turn into an alternative force
Essential services’ shortfall stressed
Rajnath Singh drew attention to water scarcity and electricity problems plaguing the state. TNEB is in the grip of Rs 80,000 crore debt burden, he said.