Union Minister Hails 'Futuristic' Budget Amid Opposition's Allegations

Union Minister Jitendra Singh termed the Union Budget as 'futuristic' while dismissing claims of insufficient funds to southern states. He highlighted special allocations for Tamil Nadu, including increased railway budgets and Vande Bharat trains. Opposition leaders, including Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin, criticized the budget as a 'vengeful act'.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh has described the Union Budget as 'futuristic,' dismissing allegations from the opposition about insufficient funding for southern states where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) underperformed in elections. Singh emphasized that Tamil Nadu received the highest railway budget in the country.

At a BJP interaction program in Tamil Nadu, Singh pointed out the introduction of six Vande Bharat trains for the state, the highest in India. He questioned why the DMK was protesting, citing the economic incentives and PM Narendra Modi's special regard for Tamil culture.

Refuting claims from Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister MK Stalin, Singh argued that the budget did not penalize states based on their election results and asserted that Tamil Nadu received equitable or even additional benefits. He stated that the budget puts special emphasis on startups, employment, women's empowerment, and public-private partnerships in the space sector.

Following opposition leaders, including TN CM Stalin, boycotting the NITI Aayog meeting, Union MoS L Murugan criticized Stalin's actions as a 'total failure of democracy.' Murugan accused Stalin of political drama and confusion. Bihar Minister Nitin Nabin also weighed in, claiming Congress engages in 'appeasement politics' and highlighting that NITI Aayog's purpose is development-focused discussions.

The 9th NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting, chaired by PM Modi, took place in the national capital, focusing on the 'Viksit Bharat@2047' theme aiming to make India a developed nation. Meanwhile, DMK organized a statewide protest against the Union Budget, alleging neglect of Tamil Nadu.