BJP urges Tamil Nadu government to adopt cooperative approach with Centre

BJP State president Nainar Nagenthran on Sunday called on the newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led government in Tamil Nadu to avoid a confrontational stance towards the Central government, a departure from the approach he attributed to the previous DMK administration. He also pressed for faster land acquisition for railway projects in the state.

In a social media post, Mr. Nagenthran referred to statements made by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in Parliament in response to questions raised by DMK MP Tiruchi Siva regarding railway projects in Tamil Nadu and the funds allocated for them. Mr. Nagenthran highlighted that the funds allocated to Tamil Nadu by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government were eight times the amount allocated during the earlier United Progressive Alliance (UPA) regime.

The BJP leader further noted that the Central government has pointed out that the erstwhile DMK regime had acquired only 1,178 hectares of the total 4,612 hectares required for new railway projects. He urged the present state government to accelerate land acquisition efforts and support the Centre's infrastructure development initiatives.

The remarks come at a time when the TVK-led government, which assumed office recently, has yet to define its working relationship with the Central government. Political observers view Mr. Nagenthran's statement as an attempt to set the tone for a cooperative federal structure, while also drawing a contrast with the previous administration's record on railway projects.

Neither the TVK leadership nor the state government has responded to Mr. Nagenthran's comments so far. The DMK, which now sits in opposition, dismissed the claims, stating that the comparison of fund allocations does not account for the actual project completion and that the Union government has consistently delayed approvals for key railway lines in the state.

Railway infrastructure remains a critical issue for Tamil Nadu, with several pending projects including new lines, gauge conversion, and electrification. The state has long demanded better rail connectivity for industrial corridors and southern districts. The pace of land acquisition has been a recurring hurdle, affecting project timelines and cost estimates.

Experts note that the Central government's railway budget allocations are based on project proposals submitted by the state and the physical progress of ongoing works. They say that while increased funding is welcome, effective implementation requires coordinated efforts from both the state and Central agencies.

Mr. Nagenthran's appeal is seen as part of the BJP's broader strategy to strengthen its presence in Tamil Nadu, where it has been seeking to expand its electoral base. By aligning with the new government's developmental agenda, the party hopes to position itself as a constructive partner in the state's growth, rather than an adversarial force.

As the TVK government settles in, its approach to the Centre will be closely watched. The state has traditionally asserted its autonomy on various issues, but the need for central funding and approvals for major infrastructure projects often necessitates negotiation and cooperation.