TN CM slams Modi over women’s free bus travel remark, targets AIADMK

M. K. Stalin on Tuesday sharply criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his remarks on free bus travel schemes for women , asserting that such views show a lack of concern for women’s progress.

Addressing an election rally in support of the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance in Tamil Nadu, Stalin referred to Modi’s recent comments that permanent free bus travel initiatives could undermine the financial viability of metro rail projects . The Prime Minister had argued that such welfare measures might significantly reduce metro ridership, thereby affecting the sustainability and expansion of urban transport infrastructure.

Countering this, Stalin defended the State’s flagship “Vidiyal Payanam” scheme, describing it as an “economic revolution” that has enhanced women’s mobility and participation in the workforce. He alleged that if the NDA were to come to power in the State, the scheme could be discontinued, a move he said would be detrimental to women’s welfare.

The Chief Minister also launched a scathing attack on the opposition AIADMK and its leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami, accusing them of compromising Tamil Nadu’s interests in favour of the BJP. In a sharp remark, Stalin said Palaniswami had effectively turned the party into “Amit Shah DMK” , alluding to Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Notably, neither Palaniswami nor the AIADMK has directly responded to Modi’s remarks on the free bus travel scheme. However, the party has indicated support for such welfare measures, even promising their continuation and possible expansion.

Stalin asserted that only a renewed mandate for the DMK would ensure continued development, urging voters to back what he termed a “Dravidian Model 2.0” government.