MK Stalin Accuses Centre of Denying Madurai and Coimbatore Metro Projects for Political Reasons
Stalin vows fight against Centre’s metro rejection.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has accused the Union government of deliberately denying metro rail projects to Madurai and Coimbatore as political vengeance against the state’s opposition-ruled status. In a strongly worded statement on Wednesday, Stalin condemned the Centre’s rejection of the proposals as a violation of federal principles and an attempt to punish Tamil Nadu for its democratic choices.
Describing Madurai as the “Temple City” and Coimbatore as “South India’s Manchester,” Stalin asserted that the BJP-led government routinely approves metro systems for smaller Tier-II cities in its own states while blocking similar development in opposition-ruled territories. He vowed that Tamil Nadu would overcome this obstruction with the same determination that kept the Chennai Metro Phase-II moving despite earlier hurdles.
Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu reinforced the demand, stating that metro rail is essential infrastructure for easing congestion and driving economic growth in two of Tamil Nadu’s fastest-expanding urban centres. He urged citizens to rally behind the Chief Minister’s call for immediate central approval under the 50:50 funding model proposed by the state.
The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs formally rejected the detailed project reports on Tuesday, citing non-compliance with the 2017 Metro Rail Policy’s population and ridership thresholds, alongside concerns over inflated demand projections and underestimated engineering challenges. The ministry claimed its appraisal was thorough and impartial.
Stalin dismissed the grounds as flimsy, declaring that Tamil Nadu, rooted in the legacy of self-respect, would never accept discriminatory treatment. He pledged an unrelenting battle until Madurai and Coimbatore secure the metro systems critical for their future development, framing the issue as a broader struggle for equitable federalism.
Also Read: Congress MP Reveals Vijay Explored Joining Congress in 2010, Dismisses Alliance Rumours
