Tamil Nadu MP Sasikanth Senthil begins indefinite fast against Centre over withheld SSA funds

Tamil Nadu Congress MP Sasikanth Senthil has begun an indefinite fast to protest the Union government withholding over ₹2,000 crore in SSA funds due to the State's opposition to the National Education Policy. Senthil argues that the funds should be released first and then negotiations can take place, and that withholding funds would disrupt education for thousands of students. He claims that linking funds to policy disagreements is unacceptable and violates the federal structure of the Constitution.

Tiruvallur Congress MP Sasikanth Senthil has embarked on an indefinite fast in his constituency to protest the Union government's withholding of over ₹2,000 crore in Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) funds due to Tamil Nadu's opposition to the National Education Policy (NEP). Senthil argues that the funds should be released first, followed by negotiations, to avoid disrupting the education of thousands of students. He contends that linking funds to policy disagreements is unacceptable and violates the federal structure enshrined in the Constitution.

Senthil, who began his fast on Friday, stated that the Union government should release the funds immediately and then discuss any disagreements with the Tamil Nadu government. He expressed his displeasure at the non-disbursal of funds, which he believes will impact the education of numerous students. The MP has previously raised the issue during the Zero Hour and under Rule 377 in Parliament, and has also written to Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan, urging him to release the funds [1].

The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, MK Stalin, has also criticized the central government for refusing to allocate the rightful share of funds to the state. Stalin highlighted Tamil Nadu's progress despite financial constraints and emphasized the state's autonomy within federalism. He noted that the state has achieved a double-digit growth rate of 11.19% in 2024-25, the highest in 14 years, despite severe financial restrictions [2].

The dispute over SSA funds comes amidst a backdrop of political tension in Tamil Nadu, where the state government has taken a firm policy position against hydrocarbon exploration. The Tamil Nadu government has signaled its intention to cancel environmental clearance granted to the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) for drilling 20 onshore exploratory wells in Ramanathapuram district, following an outcry from political parties, activists, and farmers [3].

The ongoing fast and political tensions underscore the complex dynamics between the Union government and the state of Tamil Nadu. As the Assembly elections approach in early 2026, these issues are likely to remain a contentious point in the political discourse.

References:
[1] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/sasikanth-senthil-begins-indefinite-fast-against-the-centre-for-withholding-ssa-funds-from-tamil-nadu/article69989957.ece
[2] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/refusing-to-allocate-rightful-share-of-funds-tamil-nadu-cm-stalin-slams-bjp/articleshow/123471857.cms
[3] https://indianexpress.com/article/india/tamil-nadu-ongc-hydrocarbon-wells-backlash-looming-elections-10210441/