Stalin Accuses PM Modi of Delaying GST Cuts and Robbing States

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin unleashed a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing the Union government of delaying critical Goods and Services Tax (GST) cuts and shortchanging states like Tamil Nadu to the tune of billions. In a fiery statement on Monday, Stalin blasted the Centre for ignoring years of opposition demands for tax relief while punishing states for resisting policies like “Hindi imposition,” escalating a high-stakes federal showdown.

Stalin didn’t hold back, pointing out that Modi’s recent boast of Indians saving ₹2.5 lakh crore through GST reforms and income tax relief was a belated echo of opposition pleas. “This is exactly what we’ve been demanding from the start,” Stalin thundered. “If these steps were taken eight years ago, families would’ve saved lakhs of crores more by now.” He accused the Centre of hogging credit while states bear the brunt, noting, “50% of this relief is shouldered by state governments, yet the Union refuses to acknowledge or appreciate our role.”

The DMK leader zeroed in on Tamil Nadu’s grievances, alleging the Centre is withholding Samagra Shiksha funds as retaliation for the state’s refusal to bow to “Hindi imposition” under the New Education Policy (NEP). “Tamil Nadu is being denied its rightful funds only because we stand for our linguistic and cultural identity,” Stalin charged, questioning when this “injustice” would end. He urged Modi to honor federalism, demanding, “India cannot grow by punishing states that defend their people. Release our funds and let citizens benefit from what’s theirs.”

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Hitting back, BJP spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy dismissed Stalin’s outburst, accusing the CM of lacking economic savvy. “MK Stalin is clueless about taxation and reforms,” Thirupathy shot back. He argued that GST reforms were only feasible now due to an expanded tax base, growing from 50 lakh assessees eight years ago to 1.5 crore today. “States’ GST revenues have surged, with 50% higher earnings under the old rates,” he claimed, insisting the reforms have been a boon for states.

The clash comes amid Tamil Nadu’s legal battle in the Supreme Court over the Centre’s insistence on NEP compliance for Samagra Shiksha funds, a condition reiterated by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. As Stalin rallies for state rights and Modi pushes national reforms, this fiery spat underscores deep tensions in India’s federal framework, with Tamil Nadu leading the charge for fiscal fairness.

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