Every Penny Returned to Tamil Nadu, Claims BJP Leader Annamalai Amidst Criticism of DMK Governance

In a strong rebuttal to allegations about the Centre’s treatment of Tamil Nadu, BJP leader K. Annamalai on Thursday asserted that every rupee contributed by the state to the central government has been returned, countering the narrative that the state is being financially shortchanged.

Speaking in Coimbatore at the launch of a booklet documenting the BJP-led central government's performance over the last 11 years, Annamalai said, “Tamil Nadu has contributed ₹4.36 lakh crore to the Centre in the last four years, and in return, it has received ₹5.47 lakh crore. Every penny has been returned. We have the data, and the state government is welcome to verify it.”

Criticism of DMK’s Governance

Annamalai didn’t hold back in criticizing the ruling DMK government in Tamil Nadu. He alleged that the DMK, despite having made 512 electoral promises, has failed to fulfill at least 50 key commitments in its four-year tenure. “This government continues to boast, but has fallen short on delivering its assurances,” he said.

He specifically targeted two flagship welfare schemes of the Tamil Nadu government:

1. Kalaignar Kaivinai Thittam – introduced to support traditional artisans.

2. Muthalvar Marundhagam Scheme – aimed at providing affordable medicines through government-run pharmacies.

Annamalai accused the state government of introducing these schemes to rival central initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana and the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP). He claimed both state-level schemes have "utterly failed" to serve their intended beneficiaries.

“The Muthalvar Marundhagam has failed to attract citizens and has disrupted the already effective supply chain of the PMBJP,” he added.

Transparency Through Data

The BJP leader emphasized that his party believes in transparency and accountability, citing the release of the performance report as proof. “We have shared clear data about what we promised and what we have delivered. It’s a practice of honest politics,” Annamalai said.

The report comes as part of the BJP's broader campaign celebrating 11 years of governance at the Centre, highlighting flagship welfare schemes, infrastructure developments, and financial transfers to states.

Political Context

The remarks come amidst rising tensions between the Centre and state governments on issues of fiscal federalism, welfare scheme overlaps, and election-year narratives. With the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections on the horizon, political messaging from all parties is becoming increasingly pointed.

Annamalai’s statements are seen as part of the BJP's attempt to reinforce its claim that Tamil Nadu has not been neglected by the Centre, even as the DMK-led government paints a different picture.