Solid start
THE WEEK|July 25, 2021
Stalin has set lofty goals for his government. Its success will depend on how he deals with the challenges
LAKSHMI SUBRAMANIAN
Solid start

FEDERALISM IS something Tamil Nadu holds close to its heart. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin made it loud and clear when his government officially started using ‘ondriya arasu’ (Union government) instead of ‘mathiya arasu’ (Central government). It was lauded by some and criticised by others. Stalin said his government was within its rights to make the change. “Our usage is legal and perfectly in accordance with the letter and spirit of the Indian Constitution,” he said, during the discussion on the motion of thanks to the governor’s address in the assembly on June 24.

When he met a delegation of journalists a day later, Stalin seemed ready to go beyond symbolism, as he explained his idea of governance. “Social justice, state rights and people welfare are my priorities,” he said. He soon constituted an economic advisory council (EAC) with economists Raghuram Rajan, Ester Duflo, Jean Drèze, Arvind Subramanian and S. Narayan. In the first meeting of the EAC, he stated his objectives clearly. “Employment opportunities should increase in Tamil Nadu. Per capita income should go up and the social status of people should improve. The economic growth of the state should be inclusive,” he told the members.

This story is from the July 25, 2021 edition of THE WEEK.

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This story is from the July 25, 2021 edition of THE WEEK.

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