CM Stalin Inaugurates Projects and Celebrates Progress in Tiruchi

The Honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Mr. M. K. Stalin, presided over a grand government function today, 9th May 2025, in Tiruchirappalli district. The occasion marked the inauguration of completed development projects, laying of foundation stones for upcoming works, and distribution of welfare assistance to beneficiaries. The event was also an opportunity for the Chief Minister to address the public and highlight the achievements of his government.

Joining the Chief Minister on stage were several dignitaries including senior Ministers Mr. K. N. Nehru, Mr. Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, Mr. Raghupathi, Mr. Sivasankar, and Mr. Meyyanathan. Among the Members of Parliament present were Mr. Tiruchi Siva, Ms. Thamizhachi Thangapandian, Mrs. K. Gauthamani, and Mr. Arun Nehru. The Members of the Legislative Assembly who took part included Mr. Soundarapandian, Mr. Stalin Kumar, Mr. Thyagarajan, Mr. Palaniyandi, Mr. Inigo Irudayaraj, Mr. Kathiravan, and Mr. Abdul Samad.

The function also saw the participation of former MPs and MLAs, Tiruchi Mayor Mr. Anbazhagan, Government Special Officer Mr. Karthikeyan IAS, District Collector Mr. Pradeep Kumar IAS, local body representatives, senior officials, beneficiaries of welfare schemes, members of women’s self-help groups, and members of the media.

Chief Minister Stalin began his speech by extending heartfelt greetings to everyone in attendance and expressing his gratitude for the massive turnout. He remarked that the event was more than a government function—it was a true people’s conference. He offered special appreciation to his long-time colleague and Minister for Municipal Administration, Mr. K. N. Nehru, who had played a vital role in organizing the event. Calling Mr. Nehru the “pillar of strength” for Tiruchi and the central region of Tamil Nadu, Stalin praised his dedication, perseverance, and sacrifices made over decades of public service.

Mr. Nehru, the CM noted, has faced immense personal loss and challenges but has continued to work tirelessly for the people and the party. Ever since the Dravidian Model Government came to power, Mr. Nehru has held the Urban Development portfolio, and under his leadership, cities and towns across the state have seen rapid modernization. One of the standout achievements under his tenure, the Chief Minister said, is the newly inaugurated Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi Integrated Bus Terminal in Panchapur, Tiruchi.

Highlighting the features of this terminal, the Chief Minister described it as a modern marvel—spacious enough to accommodate 401 buses, equipped with parking, air-conditioned lounges, lifts, escalators, and shops. Environmentally friendly and built to resemble an airport in terms of infrastructure and convenience, the terminal is a proud symbol of Tiruchi’s growing importance. Stalin jokingly added that instead of Panchapur, it should be called “Minschappur,” meaning it outshines other cities.

The Chief Minister then turned his praise towards another prominent son of Tiruchi—Mr. Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, the State’s School Education Minister. Commending his leadership, Stalin highlighted how Anbil Mahesh had transformed the image of government schools in the state. From institutions seen as symbols of poverty, schools are now seen as sources of pride. The recent Class 12 exam results, showing high pass percentages and improved academic performance, are a testament to these efforts.

Stalin pointed out that Anbil Mahesh had implemented strategies to reduce student dropouts, including home visits and counseling to bring children back into the education system. Inspired by a model school visit to Delhi with Mr. Arvind Kejriwal in 2022, Stalin had envisioned a network of model schools across Tamil Nadu. This dream has been effectively realized, especially in Tiruchi, with many students now pursuing higher education at premier institutions in India and abroad.

He also spoke about the inauguration of a permanent school building in Thuvakudi and the establishment of a new Kamarajar Knowledge Centre library in Tiruchi, both of which were key initiatives led by Anbil Mahesh. Earlier, the Madurai Kamarajar Centenary Library had been opened, and following that, Mahesh had advocated for a similar knowledge hub in his home district.

The Chief Minister said both Mr. Nehru and Mr. Anbil Mahesh had brought honour to the Dravidian Model Government through their dedicated service and achievements in their respective departments. He stressed that the progress made under his leadership was not a personal accomplishment, but the collective result of committed Ministers and efficient officers.

Stalin thanked Chief Secretary Mr. Karthikeyan IAS, District Collector Mr. Pradeep Kumar IAS, Tiruchi Corporation Commissioner Mr. Saravanan IAS, and the officials of Tiruchi district for their seamless coordination in organizing the function. He applauded their administrative efficiency and extended his appreciation on behalf of the public.

Before arriving at the event, Stalin had visited and inaugurated the renovated memorials of three towering leaders of the Dravidian movement—Periyar, Anna, and Kalaignar—in Tiruchi. These leaders, he reminded the audience, laid the foundation for Tamil Nadu’s social justice movement, rationalist ideals, and people-centric development model.

Although Periyar was born in Erode, he spent much of his life in Tiruchi, and it was in this very city that he was imprisoned alongside Anna. The anti-Hindi agitations that became turning points in Tamil Nadu’s political history were also centered in Tiruchi. Stalin recounted the 1953 Kallakudi protest, during which Kalaignar was arrested and imprisoned in Tiruchi Jail—another key moment in the legacy of the Dravidian movement.

Stalin emphasized that Tiruchi is not just a geographical location but a spiritual and political heartland of the Dravidian ethos. The progress seen today, the infrastructure being built, and the social equity being pursued are all rooted in the sacrifices and ideals of the movement’s founding leaders.

Concluding his speech, the Chief Minister reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the welfare of the people and the balanced development of all districts. He reiterated that every success of the government was the result of collective effort and pledged to continue working with dedication, compassion, and vision for a better Tamil Nadu.

The day in Tiruchi was not just an administrative exercise—it was a celebration of progress, a tribute to legacy, and a renewal of purpose.