CHENNAI: Emphasising the need to reinforce the federal foundations of India since the delicate balance of powers have gradually tilted in favour of the union government over a period, Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday called upon his counterparts in other states and leaders of parties across the country to join Tamil Nadu’s efforts to renew the federal spirit of the Constitution.
In a letter addressed to all CMs and party leaders, Stalin appealed to them to contribute to the work of the High-level Committee on Union-State Relations constituted by Tamil Nadu. He requested them to respond to a detailed questionnaire prepared by the committee through the portal hlcusr.tn.gov.in. Stalin also urged his counterparts to direct the departments concerned in their respective governments to examine the questionnaire and provide detailed responses.
“Your active participation will be invaluable in shaping a document that reflects the collective will of all states, and in reinforcing the federal foundations of our nation. This endeavour rises above politics and partisanship. Together, let us renew the federal spirit of our Constitution and bequeath to future generations a union that is both strong and just, both united and truly federal,” Stalin said in the letter.
The letter followed the appeal he made at the recent conference here on Union-State relations to all the CMs to constitute similar committees. Reiterating that a strong union and strong states are not contradictory but complementary, he recalled the views of late DMK leaders and former CMs CN Annadurai and M Karunanidhi.
‘GST cut shouldn’t erode state revenue’
Chennai: Stating that without protecting state revenues, GST reforms cannot serve people, CM MK Stalin on Friday said the rationalisation of GST rates should not erode the financial strength of state governments. Referring to the consensus draft prepared by eight opposition-ruled states, including TN, on the proposed GST rate rationalisation, Stalin wrote on X,
“While welcoming the intent of the GST reforms, we stressed that any reduction must not erode state revenue that sustains welfare programmes and infrastructure. We urged that the benefits of lower rates must directly reach the common people.”
The CM said the draft would be placed before the GST Council, seeking the support of all states and the union government to safeguard revenue interests and ensure fair outcomes. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu said, “Tamil Nadu will work to ensure that reforms safeguard our financial strength and deliver real, lasting benefits to the common citizen.”
