Finance Minister Rebuts DMK's Allegations of Tamil Nadu Neglect in Union Budget
During the ongoing Budget discussions in the Rajya Sabha, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman strongly countered claims made by DMK member P Wilson that Tamil Nadu had been overlooked in the recent Union Budget. The debate, which commenced on Monday, saw heated exchanges between political parties, with Sitharaman emphasizing that sweeping statements without factual basis were inappropriate, especially given the Budget was presented just eight days prior.
DMK and AIADMK Clash Over State Projects
In his speech, P Wilson alleged that Tamil Nadu has faced systematic discrimination in tax devolution for years, despite being a high-performing state with an 11.4% growth rate last year. He urged the Prime Minister and Finance Minister to treat Tamil Nadu fairly, calling it "the jewel on India's crown" and warning that neglect would yield no returns. However, Sitharaman firmly rejected these assertions, stating that the claim of no new projects for Tamil Nadu was absolutely wrong and highlighting various initiatives unveiled in the Budget specifically for the poll-bound state.
Budget Initiatives for Tamil Nadu Highlighted
The Finance Minister detailed several measures included in the Union Budget aimed at benefiting Tamil Nadu, though specific projects were not enumerated in the original report. She observed that such unfounded allegations detract from constructive debate and undermine the efforts to address regional needs through fiscal policies. The exchange also featured targeting between DMK and AIADMK members over announcements and projects for the state, reflecting the political tensions surrounding budget allocations.
This incident underscores the broader discussions on federal finance and regional equity in India's budgetary process, with Tamil Nadu's economic performance continuing to be a focal point in parliamentary deliberations.
