Chennai, April 13 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin, on Monday strongly countered Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, asserting that his remarks on agricultural incentives were based entirely on the Centre’s official communication and did not go beyond what was stated in the letter.

In a post on X, CM Stalin said Tamil Nadu’s incentive schemes for paddy cultivation have contributed significantly to increased production in the state over the years. He maintained that the Union government’s communication to the state’s Chief Secretary clearly suggested discontinuing such incentives, and stressed that his interpretation was drawn directly from the contents of the letter.

“I have not said anything beyond what is stated in the letter. There is no need for me to add anything more,” he said, dismissing allegations of misrepresentation.

The rebuttal came after Sitharaman said she had written to Chief Secretaries of all states, including Tamil Nadu, urging them to align agricultural incentive policies with national priorities.

She emphasised the need to promote cultivation of pulses, oilseeds and paddy, noting that these crops are in high domestic demand and can improve farmers’ income if supported effectively.

Clarifying her position, Sitharaman said that offering incentives or bonuses above the Minimum Support Price (MSP) remains within the exclusive domain of state governments and that the Centre has not curtailed this authority.

However, she accused Stalin of diverting attention from constructive engagement and turning the issue into a political controversy for narrow electoral gains.

She further criticised the DMK, alleging that when the nation is seeking solutions, the party is creating unnecessary controversies, and when the Union government extends cooperation, it is being used for election-oriented narratives.

The exchange has intensified political tensions between the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government and the Centre ahead of the Assembly elections.

It also reflects a broader debate on federal autonomy, policy coordination, and the balance between state-specific welfare measures and national agricultural priorities.

–IANS

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