Modi launches infra projects during Chennai visit; Stalin puts forth 3 requests

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Chennai on Thursday (May 26) evening to inaugurate a slew of infrastructure projects, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin took the opportunity to urge him to make Tamil an official language in the high court and Union government offices, on par with Hindi.

Stalin made this request as the two leaders shared the stage at an event to launch development initiatives in Chennai. “Make Tamil the official language like Hindi and the official language in Madras High Court,” said the CM. He also asked Modi to make sure pending GST dues are released.

Stalin also raised the issue of national medical entrance test NEET and asked Modi to exempt Tamil Nadu from the exam. The TN Assembly had in February adopted the anti-NEET bill for the second time, after the Governor had returned the one resolved last year.

Projects launched

Meanwhile, Modi, who is on his first official visit to TN after the DMK assumed power,  launched several welfare and developmental projects worth over ₹31,400 crore, including the Bangalore-Chennai Expressway. On his arrival, he was received by TN Governor RN Ravi, and DMK leaders and Tamil Nadu Ministers Duraimurugan and K Ponmudy were also present on the occasion.

On his way to the Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai, many people lined up on both sides of the roads to greet him, welcoming him with garlands and flower petals. BJP workers welcomed Modi waving party flags and holding ‘Vanakkam Modi Ji’ placards and banners praising him.

Modi acknowledged their greeting inside his car. Some cadres also raised the slogan ‘Thalaiva’, which means ‘leader’.

There were also ‘Go back, Modi’ posters strewn across the city.

Also read: TN Governor has referred anti-NEET bill for Presidential assent: Stalin

It is always special to be in Tamil Nadu. Speaking at launch of development initiatives in Chennai. https://t.co/YFQoEiySIj

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 26, 2022

Tamil Nadu is a leading state in terms of economic growth, rural health facilities, educational institutions, said Stalin, attributing the success to the ‘Dravidian Model’. “Our state is a pioneer not only in economic and other related factors but also in social justice, equality and women’s employment,” he said.

Pointing out that TN is committed to “inclusive growth”, Stalin  said: “In this Dravidian model of governance, while taking various welfare and developmental measures, I wish to inform you that we have corrected fiscal imbalance and restructured finances of the state,” the CM pointed out.

In Chennai, Modi will also today inaugurate 1,152 houses constructed as part of the ‘Light House Project – Chennai’. This has been constructed at a cost of ₹116 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban.

Also read: 3 reforms Stalin wants Modi, CJI to introduce to India’s judicial system

News reports said this project deploys new-age global technologies such as precast concrete construction system as used in the US and Finland. The materials and processes that is used are being done for the first time in the country at such a large scale.

The PM, who had laid the foundation stone of Light House Projects at six sites across the country on January 1, 2021, has been keenly reviewing the project status through even drone-based monitoring.

He will also lay the foundation stones for the redevelopment of five railway stations in Tamil Nadu – Chennai Egmore, Rameswaram, Madurai, Katpadi, and Kanyakumari.

Redevelopment of the railway stations project will be completed at a cost of over ₹1,800 crore. The project has been undertaken with a view to enhancing the convenience and comfort of the passengers through modern amenities.