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‘Victory alliance’ to continue for LS polls, says Stalin

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, the ruling party in Tamil Nadu sealed a seat-sharing pact on Saturday with the Congress…reports Asian Lite News

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President MK Stalin said that the victory alliance, which triumphed in the previous elections, is set to continue its momentum into the upcoming Lok Sabha election.

“Our Victory alliance continues for the 2024 General Election also. Cadres should do groundwork thinking ‘MK Stalin’ is the candidate in all 40 constituencies,” MK Stalin said.

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, the ruling party in Tamil Nadu sealed a seat-sharing pact on Saturday with the Congress (both allies of the INDIA bloc) which will contest on nine seats, setting aside 21 seats for the ruling DMK.

DMK has so far finalised seat-sharing deals with allies CPI (M), CPI, IUML and KMDK, besides MDMK and VCK. MDMK, IUML and KMDK (DMK Symbol) each to get one seat while VCK, CPM, CPI get two seats each in the Lok Sabha polls. The Congress will contest the lone seat in Puducherry.

Earlier in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the DMK-led alliance secured a landslide victory by bagging 38 out of 39 seats. The Congress, which was also a part of the alliance, bagged 8 seats out of the nine contested.

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), on the other hand, won only one seat.

Stalin emphasized the broader INDI alliance’s commitment to defeating the BJP in the upcoming elections.

“INDI alliance partners have set up a political agenda in people’s hearts to defeat the BJP. Alliance leaders are having alliance talks in various states as BJP against votes shouldn’t get shattered. Seat-sharing discussions have been concluded in several states, with ongoing talks in others, which will also get done very soon,” MK Stalin said.

Stalin stressed the urgency of winning all 40 seats in Tamil Nadu to effectively influence Union Politics.

“In Tamil Nadu, DMK-headed INDI alliance finalised the seat sharing yesterday. MNM also has joined hands with our alliance. Friend Kamala Hassan has announced he will campaign for our alliance. These leaders have one goal which is to defeat fascist BJP. All should work thinking ‘MK Stalin’ is the candidate in 40 constituencies. We have to win 40 out of 40 seats then only we can bring change in Union Politics. If we need to form a Union Government which respects the states then we should win all 40 seats,” MK Stalin said.

Drawing attention to the perceived failures of the BJP over the past decade MK Stalin stated, “People have realised how the BJP has spoiled the country in the last 10 years. Canvass the 3 years of successful Dravidian Government to the people.” (ANI)

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DMK forms war room ahead of 2024 LS polls

DMK co-organizing secretary Anbagam Kalai will coordinate the booth committee, and constituency coordinators…reports Asian Lite News

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) announced a war room to coordinate election works ahead of the 2024 general election, an official statement issued by the party said on Sunday.

DMK co-organizing secretary Anbagam Kalai will coordinate the booth committee, and constituency coordinators and eye on the electoral campaign.

Likewise, DMK deputy organizing secretary Austin will coordinate media and star campaigners. Similarly, DMK Rajya Sabha MP and advocate NR Elango will coordinate legal aspects and Election Commission-related issues.

DMK also has announced a list of teams in a war room to coordinate the election works. The Election Commission and Legal team, law and order-related permission and district coordinators were part of the war room team.

Earlier, in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections, an 11-member election manifesto preparation committee was constituted in January this year, under the leadership of DMK MP Kanimozhi.

Other members of the committee include ministers PDR Palanivel Thiagarajan, DRP Raja, TKS Ilangovan, AKS Vijayan, Kovi Chelishian, Rajeshkumar, Ezhilarasan, Abdullah, Ezhilan, and Mayor Priya.

In addition to the manifesto committee, DMK has formed a six-member committee tasked with coordinating and holding talks with its alliance parties under the leadership of MP TR Baalu. The TR Baalu-led Alliance Coordination Committee includes ministers KN Nehru, Periaswamy, MRK Panneerselvam, Ponmudi, and A Raza.

This committee aims to ensure effective collaboration and negotiation with the INDIA bloc parties during the electoral process. (ANI)

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Pollachi’s leap raises eyebrows

The move is set to elevate Pollachi to major city status, unleashing opportunities and driving progress across sectors….reports Asian Lite News

In a significant development with the potential to reshape southern Tamil Nadu’s terrain, Pollachi, a key town in the Coimbatore district, is poised for a transformative shift as discussions arise regarding its designation as a new district.

This strategic development is expected to propel Pollachi into the ranks of major metropolitan cities, unlocking a plethora of opportunities and sparking a wave of advancements across various sectors.

1. Industrial and Trade Market Development: One of the primary catalysts for this transformation is Pollachi’s dominance in agriculturally rich land, positioning it as an ideal hub for large to small-scale agro-based industries and goods markets. The region’s strategic proximity to the Coimbatore International Airport will ensure seamless import and export trade, relieving nearby towns, including Madurai, Dindigul, Palakkad, Thrissur, Udumalpet, and Dharapuram, from the necessity to travel to Coimbatore for business and trade management.

2. Social Infrastructural Development: The elevation of Pollachi to district status will herald a new era of social infrastructural development which is expected to initiate the establishment of newer roads, flyovers, transit points, and the installation of educational and healthcare facilities. This will not only enhance the quality of life for the residents but will also facilitate smoother connectivity within the district, fostering an environment conducive to growth and progress.

3. Commercial and Residential Realty Development: As the district will take shape, there will be a burgeoning anticipation of commercial and residential real estate development. Shopping complexes, cinema theatres, and various residential living spaces, including apartments and villas, are expected to dot the landscape. Notably, the rise of plotted development communities will gain attention among real estate investors and potential home buyers. These communities which offer luxury amenities and secure community living, makes it an attractive option at comparable costs to ready-to-move-in residential properties. Such developments are also projected to contribute significantly to the appreciation of land values within the new district.

In conclusion, Pollachi’s elevation to district status marks the dawn of a new era, promising multifaceted development that extends beyond economic realms. The fusion of industrial growth, enhanced social infrastructure, and dynamic real estate projects will position Pollachi as a beacon of progress in southern Tamil Nadu. As the district takes its place on the map, the ripples of change are set to redefine the region’s trajectory, shaping a brighter and more prosperous future for Pollachi and its surrounding areas.

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G20 delegates get glimpse of handicrafts in Mahabalipuram

India assumed the G20 Presidency from Indonesia on December 1, 2022, and will convene the G20 Leaders’ Summit for the first time in the country this year…reports Asian Lite News

G20 delegates, who arrived in Tamil Nadu to attend the first meeting of the G20 Education Working Group, got a glimpse of the state’s handicrafts in Mahabalipuram on Wednesday.

The delegates arrived on January 31 at the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IITM) Research Park in Chennai to participate in the ‘Role of Digital Technologies in Education seminar.’

The foreign delegates were welcomed in a traditional way with a ceremonial stole.

Musical instruments were played to welcome foreign delegates at the IITM Research Park as they arrived to attend the meeting.

Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L Murugan said India’s G20 Presidency aims to strive for “equitable growth for all”.

“The G20 Education Working Group provides member countries with an opportunity to underline common priorities, reiterate common commitments, and evolve common action for improving the reach, quality and outcomes of education. As envisioned by our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the aim of India’s G20 Presidency is to strive for just and equitable growth for all, in a sustainable, holistic, responsible, and inclusive manner,” the minister told ANI.

He also said the objective was reflected in the theme of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’, and the Indian tradition of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is a family).

“The aim of the Education Working Group under India’s presidency is therefore to work collectively and evolve solutions that will help all countries and societies to strengthen their education systems and attain the targets under the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4,” he added.

He also welcomed the G20 delegates at the first G20 Education Working Group Meeting here and said he looks forward to the ideas and proposed initiatives to ensure quality education for all.

India assumed the G20 Presidency from Indonesia on December 1, 2022, and will convene the G20 Leaders’ Summit for the first time in the country this year.

As India takes over the Presidency, the working group aims to work together with G20 countries to bridge gaps in quality education and skilling. (ANI)

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MK Stalin’s son Udhayanidhi joins his cabinet as minister

Udhayanidhi will be the third generation from the Karunanidhi family to become a minister in Tamil Nadu after his late grandfather ‘Kalaignar’ Karunanidhi and father M.K. Stalin…reports Asian Lite News

Udhayanidhi Stalin, son of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin was sworn-in as a minister in his father’s cabinet on Wednesday.

Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi administered the oath office to him. The swearing-in ceremony was held at Durbar Hall and was attended by several dignitaries.

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Youth Wing Secretary Udhayanidhi Stalin meets his father and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K Stalin, in Chennai on Wednesday. (ANI Photo)

All senior ministers of the Stalin cabinet were present during the ceremony.

The junior Stalin took the oath of office in Tamil.

Udhayanidhi will be the third generation from the Karunanidhi family to become a minister in Tamil Nadu after his late grandfather ‘Kalaignar’ Karunanidhi and father M.K. Stalin.

Udhayanidhi, a movie actor and producer was elected from the Chepauk Assembly constituency which was represented by his late grandfather, Kalaignar Karunanidhi in the 2021 Assembly elections with a huge majority.

The young scion of the Karunanidhi family is likely to get the Sports and Youth Affairs portfolio along with the portfolio of programme implementation. With Tamil Nadu moving ahead in implementing several sports hubs, Udhayanidhi is likely to get the responsibility in implementing this.

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‘Other states keen in learning about Dravidian development’

Stalin said that in the past 50 years, Tamil Nadu has witnessed huge development and this has led to other states in the country keenly learning on the policies and programmes and implementing this in their own states….reports Asian Lite news

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin said that other states in the country were keen on learning the policies and programmes of the Dravidian model of development.

He was speaking at the Third International Humanism Conference on Social Justice virtually on Sunday.

Stalin said that in the past 50 years, Tamil Nadu has witnessed huge development and this has led to other states in the country keenly learning on the policies and programmes and implementing this in their own states.

He said that the Dravidian model was only for further enhancing the developments made in the last 50 years. The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister said that the state witnessed huge development due to two language policies, infrastructure, development of the Tamil language, reservation rights, creation of social upliftment, and struggle for state’s rights during the past 50 years.

Stalin said that the DMK was a political party based on the ideals of social justice, equality, self-respect, communal rights, linguistic affinity, and state autonomy and added that the development of the state should be based on these ideals.

He said that the development should include both economic and social development and said that the Dravidian ideologue, Thanthai Periyar, Perarignar Anna, and his father Muthamizh Arignar Kalaignar had envisioned this model of development.

The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister also said that the ideals and thought process of late Thanthai Periyar are now being used in the modern world.

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Sasikala on TN tour to garner support from party

Sasikala said that the AIADMK was facing its biggest challenge in 50 years of its existence and that this adversity could be overcome by staying united…reports Asian Lite News

AIADMK’s expelled interim General Secretary V.K. Sasikala has commenced a tour of Tamil Nadu to drum up support from the party cadres to emerge as the top party leader amid the intense power struggle between former Chief Ministers, O. Panneerselvam and K. Palaniswami.

Aiming to travel across all the state’s districts to meet local leaders and members, Sasikala had termed her venture ‘Puratchi Payanam’ (revolutionary trip), aimed at defending the rights of Tamil soil and the dignity of women.

Sasikala, who was once the most trusted and powerful aide of former Chief Minister, late J. Jayalalithaa, told media persons during her yatra that she has the responsibility to protect the movement and has commenced this tour for the protection of the AIADMK.

She also said that the AIADMK must have a single leader to lead the party but that leader must be elected from among the cadres and not decided by a few people.

Sasikala said that the AIADMK was facing its biggest challenge in 50 years of its existence and that this adversity could be overcome by staying united.

She also said that the recent developments in the AIADMK are to the happiness of the ruling DMK and that she would not allow the AIADMK to be decimated and hence the yatra.

She said that she had made both Panneerselvam and Palaniswami Chief Ministers but both of them did not show gratitude to her in the long run.

The powerful Thevar community, which has been the vote bank of the AIADMK in south Tamil Nadu is expecting a realignment between Sasikala and Panneerselvam, both of whom are from the community. Sources in the AIADMK told IANS that several meetings were conducted between the Thevar community leaders with both Sasikala and Panneerselvam separately.

With the power of Panneerselvam waning in the AIADMK, the only option left is to drum up the support of cadres and for that, Sasikala is undertaking her state-level yatra.

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CM Stalin flags off first relief consignment to Lanka

Stalin flagged off the ship carrying 9,000 tonnes of rice, 200 tonnes of milk powder and 24 tonnes of essential medicines from the Chennai Port….reports Asian Lite News

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Wednesday flagged off the first consignment of relief materials to Sri Lankan, which is going through the worst economic crisis in its history.

Stalin flagged off the ship carrying 9,000 tonnes of rice, 200 tonnes of milk powder and 24 tonnes of essential medicines from the Chennai Port.

The total value of the relief materials is estimated to be Rs 45 crore.

Earlier, Stalin had said that after receiving nod from the Central government, Tamil Nadu would send 40,000 tonnes of rice, 500 tonnes of milk powder and life saving drugs to Sri Lanka in batches.

He had also appealed to the people to donate on humanitarian grounds so that necessary items can be bought and sent to Sri Lanka.

Opportunity to Indian tea industry

Gripped by a severe economic crisis, Sri Lanka, a major player in the global tea market, has not been able to export tea, creating an opportunity for the Indian tea industry to tap the market.

The tea traders of North Bengal said that the present condition in Sri Lanka, which has been unable to export its tea, can create opportunities for the new market in India.

Kamal Kumar Tiwari, Chairman of the Siliguri Tea Auction Committee and Trader said, “Sri Lankan buyers who are unable to get tea due to the ongoing crisis, will depend on India.”

If the situation continues like this in Sri Lanka, the Indian market will boom, and people who look for good quality India can offer them as it produces good quality tea, Tiwari said.

Satish Mitruka, another trader and tea garden owner from Siliguri, said that if the Indian market expanded more then it will be a boon for the ailing industry.

Mitruka said Sri Lanka is a major producer of orthodox tea, they produce around 3 million kg of orthodox tea, and a maximum of its products are exported to European and American countries.

“Now due to this economic crisis buyers will hesitate buying tea from Sri Lanka and will shift to India for this,” he stressed.

“The shift will boost the orthodox tea market in India,” he added.

Sri Lanka is currently struggling with acute food and electricity shortages and the recession is attributed to foreign exchange shortages caused by a clampdown on tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The country is unable to buy sufficient fuel and gas, while the people are being deprived of basic amenities as well.

As the economic crisis in Sri Lanka is worsening day by day, several people including those jobless are participating in the protest against the government to get two-times meals. (IANS/ANI)

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CM Stalin aims to catapult TN to $1 tr economy by 2030

At present, Tamil Nadu’s share on the export front stood at $26 billion and this should be increased to $100 billion by 2030, he said after presenting the FIEO Southern Region Export Excellence Awards…reports Asian Lite News

Asserting that exports are very crucial to achieve economic growth, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Wednesday called upon the captains of industries to step up the exports by about $ 100 billion and meet the government’s ambitious target of achieving $ one trillion dollar economy by 2030.

At present, Tamil Nadu’s share on the export front stood at $ 26 billion and this should be increased to $ 100 billion by 2030, he said after presenting the FIEO Southern Region Export Excellence Awards. His government has already initiated several measures to attain the objective, he said at the event held under the aegis of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO).

“I had unveiled plans in September last year on export promotion and the government is taking several steps in this direction. To name some, efforts are on to establish a Knowledge City, State Export Promotion Committee, and International Furniture Park,” Stalin said.

He gave away the FIEO awards in the presence of Industries Minister Thangam Thennarasu and MSME Minister T M Anbarasan. The event saw the participation of top business leaders from various industries and awards were presented in multiple categories, including highest foreign exchange earner (top exporter) in southern region, top five-star exporter in southern region, top four-star exporter in southern region, among others.

“I am happy to inform that during 2020-21 fiscal, Tamil Nadu stood third in the country by exporting to the tune of Rs 1.93 lakh crore, contributing 8.97 per cent to the nation’s overall exports. This share should be increased every year. This government’s desire and also my ambition is make Tamil Nadu first among Indian States in exports,” the Chief Minister said.

“Exports are very crucial to achieve economic growth. Currently, the southern zone has a share of about 27 per cent in India’s exports. I am sure in five years, this will increase to 35 per cent,” the Chief Minister said.

FIEO should ensure the Central government scheme of One District One Product (ODOP) is implemented in all the districts in Tamil Nadu, he said and pointed out that nearly 24 of the State’s unique products such as Thanjavur painting, Coimbatore’s Kota cotton saree, Kovilpatti’s peanut candy, and Salem silk are awaiting geographical indication (GI) tag. These products have good export potential, he added.

A Sakthivel, president, FIEO, and Israr Ahmed, FIEO’s regional chairman, were among those who spoke.

Former national president of All India Manufacturers’ Organisation and convener of Consortium of Indian Associations, KE Raghunathan, said that the state’s target of $1 trillion economy is achievable but external factors, such as the pandemic, will have an impact.

“Reaching that mark is feasible because Tamil Nadu is a state that is industrial, it has decentralised empowerment, it produces close to 150,000 engineers every year,” he said. In Raghunathan’s view, Tuesday’s developments show that the investments cover an array of various industries unlike in Global Investors’ Meet (GIM) where 90% of the investments were in the renewable energy sector. The investment sites are spread throughout Tamil Nadu and the government had recognised high-value and low-value projects equally, he said.

Big investments

Recently, Guidance Tamil Nadu, the state nodal agency for investment promotion, entered into an MoU with American Tamil Entrepreneurs Association (ATEA) to promote start-ups in the fields of innovation, research and development. The government has sanctioned a grant of Rs 5 crore to five start-ups selected for this program.

An MoU was signed between General Electric Company and TIDCO to establish a Centre of Excellence to enhance the production of aircraft and aeronautical components for industries in the aerospace and defence sector using advanced manufacturing technologies.

The investments are in the fields of power plants, electronics, auto components, industrial parks, IT/ITeS services, food processing, footwear, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. The tie-ups are with companies such as JSW Energy to set up 450 MW Wind Power Generation in Tuticorin, Tirunelveli, Dindigul and Tiruppur with a Rs 3000-crore investment.

Germany-based ZF Wabco is to make auto components in SIPCOT Oragadam Phase 2 in Kancheepuram with an investment worth Rs 1,800 crore. Singapore-based Capital Land is to set up a data centre in Chennai for Rs 1,200 crore and Tata Consultancy Services will generate employment for 15,000 people for their Phase III project at Sipcot Siruseri with an investment worth Rs 900 crore.

Massive investment from UAE

In March this year, Stalin Tuesday had inked deals worth Rs 6,100 crore with leading investors which will generate employment opportunities for 14,700 people back home.

According to a statement from the government, UAE-based Lulu Group will invest Rs 3,500 crore to set up shopping malls, hypermarkets and food processing and logistic centres; Nobel Steels will invest Rs 1,000 crore and the White House has earmarked Rs 500 crore. It added that the Transworld Group of Companies will invest Rs 100 crore, Aster D M Healthcare has proposed an investment of Rs 500 crore and Sharaf Group will invest Rs 500 crore.

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Lulu invests 3,500cr in Tamil Nadu

The Chief Minister also invited industrialists from the UAE to invest in food processing, hospitality, food parks, and real estate sectors in Tamil Nadu….reports Asian Lite News

 The multibillion-dollar Lulu group of Keralite NRI businessman M.A. Yusuf Ali will be investing Rs 3,500 crore in Tamil Nadu. This was announced by the group chairman and Managing Director M.A. Yusuf Ali while attending the investors’ meet of Tamil Nadu in Dubai.

The meet was organised by the Tamil Nadu state government on Saturday. Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, who is on a four-day tour of the Middle East to scout investments, was present at the meet.

The Lulu group will build two shopping malls and an export-oriented food processing unit.

The group, according to a statement from the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s office will ink the Memorandum of Understanding on Monday in Abu Dhabi. The Lulu group Chairman M.A. Yusuf Ali in a statement said that the group would commence construction of the malls soon and will provide employment to 5,000 people in the two malls.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin in his speech said that ever since he assumed office as the Chief Minister, the state has signed 124 MoU’s attracting an investment of 8 billion dollars creating employment opportunities for 20,000 people.

He said that the target of a trillion economy by 2030 is achievable and that the state has chalked out several programmes and activities, including developing infrastructure, upskilling the workforce to improve productivity, and taking up measures to attract investments in new sectors like electric vehicles, technical textiles, and other sectors.

The Chief Minister also invited industrialists from the UAE to invest in food processing, hospitality, food parks, and real estate sectors in Tamil Nadu.

He also appealed to the investors from Dubai to invest in a massive furniture park that was coming up at Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu.

M.K. Stalin told investors that the state is well-posed for good growth and that the state has a positive GDP growth rate of 5.8 per cent when compared to negative growth in many other economies. He also said the mission of the Tamil Nadu government was to attract massive investments in manufacturing and service sectors and develop the state into a massive investment hub.

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