Chennai: The main reason for Tamil Nadu's growth is Christian missionaries, and without the missionaries, Tamil Nadu would have become another Bihar, said Assembly Speaker M. Appavu. He said that if the missionaries were expelled, there would be no growth in Tamil Nadu and that his political career was shaped by the Catholic missionaries. He added that it was only the Christian missionaries who made education available to one and all.

He continued: “The Chief Minister (MK Stalin) knows that you created this government. You (Catholic Missions) can go ahead and talk to your CM and I will support you. If you are expelled, there will be no growth in Tamil Nadu”.

The speaker pointed out that if there were no missionaries, Tamil Nadu would have become like Bihar. "Catholic missionaries are the main reason for the growth. Your work laid the foundation of Tamil Nadu," he added.

At the same time, some media outlets are trying to make a controversy out of the speaker's statement praising the good deeds and selfless service of the missionaries. After some media portrayed it as a controversial statement, Appavu has reiterated his views. He told 'India Today' that he mentioned only history, and it was the Christian missionaries who made education available to everyone and brought about social equality. The speaker stated that he is not ready to respond to BJP's criticism in this matter.