On May 24, 2025, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi during the 10th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog. While the official narrative emphasized developmental discussions, the timing of the visit – coinciding with the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) intensified scrutiny of the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC)—has sparked political speculation.
Official Demands vs. Political Undercurrents
Post-meeting, Stalin presented a memorandum seeking:
- Release of ₹2,200 crore under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.
- Approval for metro projects in Coimbatore and Madurai.
- Expansion of Coimbatore and Madurai airports.
- Transfer of Chennai’s MRTS operations to Chennai Metro Rail Limited.
- Widening of the Chengalpattu-Tindivanam National Highway.
- Establishment of an AIIMS in Coimbatore.
- Inclusion of Dalit Christians in the Scheduled Caste list.
- Immediate release of Tamil Nadu fishermen detained by the Sri Lankan Navy.
However, opposition parties, notably the AIADMK, questioned the motives behind Stalin’s sudden participation in the NITI Aayog meeting after a three-year hiatus. AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami alleged that Stalin’s attendance was driven by apprehensions over the ED’s investigation into the ₹1,000 crore TASMAC scam, suggesting a bid to placate the central government.
TASMAC Scam: A Political Quagmire
The ED’s probe into TASMAC unveiled alleged financial irregularities involving inflated tenders and illicit transactions. Central to the controversy is Ratheesh Velu, purportedly a close associate of Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. Leaked communications suggest Ratheesh exerted undue influence over TASMAC operations, raising questions about the extent of political involvement.
The Supreme Court recently stayed the ED’s investigation, criticizing the agency for “crossing all limits” in its probe. Despite this, the political fallout continues, with the opposition leveraging the issue to challenge the DMK’s credibility.
DMK’s Stance: Defiance Amid Allegations
In response to the allegations, Udhayanidhi Stalin asserted that the DMK remains unyielding in the face of political intimidation. He emphasized that the Chief Minister’s Delhi visit was solely to advocate for Tamil Nadu’s development and not influenced by the ED’s actions.
Chief Minister Stalin, addressing party cadres, dismissed the corruption allegations as remnants of the previous AIADMK regime, questioning why the DMK should bear the brunt of past malpractices.
Private Meeting: A Matter of Concern?
A point of contention remains the private nature of Stalin’s meeting with Prime Minister Modi. In a federal structure where transparency is paramount, such closed-door discussions between state and central leaders, especially amidst ongoing investigations, raise eyebrows. The absence of public disclosures about the meeting’s content fuels speculation about undisclosed agendas.
Conclusion: Development or Damage Control?
While the official narrative underscores developmental objectives, the convergence of Stalin’s Delhi visit with the ED’s TASMAC probe cannot be overlooked. The involvement of individuals linked to the Chief Minister’s inner circle in the alleged scam adds layers of complexity. As the political landscape evolves, the true impetus behind Stalin’s meeting with Modi remains a subject of intense debate.