DMK MP Tiruchi Siva Criticizes Union Budget for Neglecting Tamil Nadu

DMK MP Tiruchi Siva expressed concern over the Union Budget's neglect of Tamil Nadu, criticizing Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's allocation decisions. Siva highlighted discrepancies in relief for flood-affected states, questioning the government's bias against opposition-ruled regions. He demanded acknowledgment of Tamil Nadu's issues by the Central government.

On Monday, DMK MP Tiruchi Siva sharply criticized the Union Budget, expressing concerns over the perceived neglect of Tamil Nadu. Highlighting the state's anguish, Siva remarked, 'As far as Tamil Nadu is concerned, we are in anguish that we have been totally neglected.' The budget was presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her seventh consecutive Budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 on July 23, breaking the record of former Prime Minister Morarji Desai. The BJP-led NDA government, following its re-election, has faced allegations from opposition parties, including DMK and Congress, of favoring certain states while discriminating against opposition-ruled regions. Significant allocations were described for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, focusing on infrastructure and financial support.

Siva further detailed the disparities, pointing out that despite Tamil Nadu’s requests for flood and cyclone relief amounting to Rs 37,000 crore, only Rs 276 crore had been granted. He noted the state's expenditure on the Metro Rail Project in Chennai and criticized the Union government for not contributing financially. 'Why is a state, that is opposing the present ruling party, being victimized?' he questioned.

Siva urged the Central government to address their demands and highlighted the importance of smooth parliamentary proceedings. Despite the Finance Ministry's claims of a budget focusing on economic growth, low inflation, and market stability, Siva contended that Tamil Nadu's issues remained unaddressed. The budget session of Parliament, which began on July 22, is scheduled to conclude on August 12.