Stalin had charged the Centre with directing Tamil Nadu to withhold incentives for rice farming. Sitharaman set the record straight: the communication to chief secretaries across India was advisory, encouraging states to sync bonuses with broader goals like diversifying into high-demand pulses and oilseeds.

This forward-thinking approach promises farmers superior returns on crops where supply lags behind need. She reminded that announcing bonuses over MSP has long been—and remains—a state prerogative, untouched by the Centre.

Rather than embracing positivity and national welfare, Stalin is diverting attention for selfish electoral benefits, Sitharaman charged. DMK’s pattern of controversy-mongering contrasts with the Centre’s cooperative spirit, which they exploit for politics.

From her position, she expects better conduct from the CM. Tamil Nadu farmers need proactive governance for growth, not vote-bank tactics. NDA’s unwavering commitment to farmers everywhere persists, regardless of ruling parties.