Site icon The Commune

DMK Govt Pastes Its Sticker Over Central PSUs Investing In TN

The Commune
dmk sticker

In a familiar pattern, the ruling DMK government in Tamil Nadu has once again attempted to re-brand a central government driven initiative as its own, this time in the shipbuilding sector. The latest instance involves the announcement of two major investments by central Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) to set up greenfield shipyards in Tamil Nadu with a combined investment of ₹30,000 crore. However, the DMK, backed by sections of the Dravidianist media, has been quick to position the development as a result of its own policies and leadership.

On 20 September 2025, Tamil Nadu’s Industries Minister TRB Rajaa announced the MoUs via his X account, describing it as “massive news” for the state’s shipbuilding industry. He stated that the agreements as a key milestone under the upcoming Tamil Nadu Maritime Transport Manufacturing Policy 2025, emphasizing that they would generate over 55,000 jobs and mark the state’s emergence as a “global hub for shipbuilding and maritime innovation.”

In his statement, Rajaa credited Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and said the move aligned with the DMK’s development vision. Following this, Stalin himself posted on social media, invoking Tamil maritime history and asserting that the “Dravidian Model” was steering southern Tamil Nadu onto the global shipbuilding map.

Predictably, DMK-simping media outlets like Puthiya Thalaimurai amplified this narrative, presenting the announcement as a direct achievement of the state government. One headline read, “Contract worth ₹15,000 crore: Minister Raja.”

The Reality: A Modi Govt-Led Initiative Under National Maritime Vision

Contrary to the narrative being peddled by the DMK and its ecosystem, these projects are part of the Government of India’s broader maritime strategy, specifically the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. The MoUs were signed between the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) and the Tamil Nadu government through its investment promotion agency, Guidance Tamil Nadu, with the centre’s active involvement.

Cochin Shipyard Limited, which built the Indian Navy’s first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, will invest ₹15,000 crore in a commercial shipyard, creating 10,000 jobs initially. MDL, known for building Scorpene-class submarines and frontline destroyers like the Visakhapatnam-class, will invest an equivalent amount to establish a shipyard employing over 45,000 people.

Both entities are central PSUs under the Ministries of Defence and Shipping, respectively. Their strategic decision to establish shipbuilding infrastructure on India’s east coast specifically in Thoothukudi district is driven by national maritime priorities, including security and trade.

Union Government’s Role Highlighted at Signing Ceremony

The MoUs were formally exchanged on 19 September 2025 at an event organized by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways in Bhavnagar, Gujarat. The ceremony was attended by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, further confirming the central government’s role in initiating and facilitating these massive investments.

Yet, in Tamil Nadu, the DMK has attempted to shift the spotlight toward its own governance, despite the projects being aligned with central government frameworks. Critics have pointed out that the DMK is merely piggybacking on the Centre’s plans while attempting to appropriate credit for political mileage ahead of elections.

Social Media Pushback: DMK’s Credit Grab Draws Ridicule

The DMK’s attempt to take ownership of the shipbuilding projects has triggered significant backlash on social media. Users have mocked the party’s habitual “sticker politics,” accusing it of slapping its label on any initiative with potential visibility or public appeal, regardless of who conceived or executed it.

This episode follows a familiar pattern where central government projects in Tamil Nadu be it in infrastructure, defence, or manufacturing are rebranded locally as “Dravidian model achievements” for narrative-building purposes. However, in the digital age, such attempts are increasingly met with scrutiny and resistance from the public.

As the 2026 state elections approach, the line between genuine state-led development and opportunistic political branding is becoming increasingly blurred at least in the way it’s being projected by the ruling establishment in Tamil Nadu.

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

Exit mobile version