Tamil Nadu Congress President Slams Centre Over GST, Delimitation, and Murugan Conference
Published by Aaerm Law Associates | June 9, 2025
Category: Tamil Nadu Politics | GST | Indian Governance
Introduction: Mounting Discontent in Tamil Nadu
On June 7, 2025, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) President K. Selvaperunthagai launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led Central Government. Speaking at the Coimbatore airport, he accused the Centre of showing bias against Tamil Nadu in several key areas: GST revenue allocation, proposed parliamentary delimitation, and the Union-led Murugan conference. His remarks have sparked intense political discussion across the state.
GST Revenue: A Deepening Fiscal Dispute
According to Selvaperunthagai, Tamil Nadu remains one of India’s top contributors to GST, ranking third nationally. However, he alleged that the state does not receive a fair return for its contribution.
“How can a government that failed to ensure fair GST distribution across states promise a just delimitation of parliamentary constituencies?” he asked.
He emphasized that this imbalance in revenue allocation reflects a pattern of deliberate neglect. While Tamil Nadu plays a major role in funding the national economy, the Centre reportedly continues to allocate disproportionate shares to northern states, sidelining southern contributors like Tamil Nadu.
Delimitation Debate: Dilution of Tamil Nadu’s Voice?
Another central issue raised by the TNCC President is the proposed increase in Lok Sabha seats from 545 to 1,000. He expressed serious concerns about the potential political impact on Tamil Nadu.
He explained that under the current arrangement, Tamil Nadu already struggles to secure meaningful time in Parliament. Currently, even major issues affecting the state receive less than ten minutes of speaking time. Under the new proposal, that duration could shrink even further.
“With 1,000 MPs, Tamil Nadu’s voice may be reduced to just two minutes. That’s not justice,” he said.
Selvaperunthagai emphasized that while representation must grow with population, it should not come at the cost of federal fairness and regional balance.
Murugan Conference Controversy: Cultural Politics in Focus
The Congress leader also criticized the Union government’s recent decision to host a Lord Murugan conference. Notably, Tamil Nadu’s own Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department had already conducted a similar event.
This prompted Selvaperunthagai to question the motive behind organizing a second conference. He alleged that it was an attempt to exploit religious sentiments and create division among communities.
“If they believe in true equality, why not conduct similar conferences in Gujarat or Uttar Pradesh?” he asked.
His remarks suggest a deepening concern over cultural appropriation and the use of religion as a political tool in Tamil Nadu.
BJP’s Political Intentions Under Fire
Selvaperunthagai didn’t stop at policy criticism. He also launched a direct political attack on the BJP and RSS, accusing them of trying to destabilize the state’s political environment.
Referring to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent visit to Tamil Nadu, he alleged that the BJP was stirring unrest.
“The people of Tamil Nadu are politically mature. There is no place for the BJP or RSS in this land,” he asserted.
His comments reflect the long-standing resistance of Tamil Nadu’s political culture to the Hindutva narrative promoted by the BJP.
Caste-Wise Census: A Demand for Equality
In a strong policy recommendation, Selvaperunthagai called for the immediate implementation of a caste-wise census. He criticized the Centre for repeatedly delaying the census under what he called “flimsy pretexts.”
According to him, such a census is critical for addressing historical inequalities, implementing affirmative action, and promoting inclusive development.
“Without accurate data, how can we plan policies for backward communities?” he asked.
This demand echoes growing calls from various social justice parties and scholars across India for caste-based data to better inform policymaking.
Reactions and Political Impact
The TNCC President’s bold remarks are already making waves. His hard-hitting statements have energized Congress cadres, while also drawing sharp responses from BJP functionaries.
While the BJP has defended its decisions on GST and the Murugan conference, Tamil Nadu opposition parties are rallying around the themes of regional autonomy and fiscal justice.
Moreover, analysts suggest that with Lok Sabha elections on the horizon, such remarks may be an early signal of the Congress’ regional election strategy in Tamil Nadu.
Conclusion: A Deepening Divide Between Centre and State
Selvaperunthagai’s statements highlight a growing disconnect between the Tamil Nadu government and the Centre. Issues such as fiscal fairness, political representation, and cultural autonomy are becoming flashpoints.
As India approaches a new phase in its democratic journey—with parliamentary delimitation, population changes, and federal tensions—states like Tamil Nadu are making it clear that they will not accept marginalization in silence.
Whether these issues will shift national discourse remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: Tamil Nadu’s political leadership is ready to challenge policies it perceives as unjust.
